Patterns and Number Sequences — Victorian Year 4 Maths
Multiples, missing numbers in multiplication and division sentences, balanced number sentences and algorithms. Four subtopics and 80 questions with worked solutions, aligned to VC2M4N02, VC2M4A01 and VC2M4N10.
Patterns and Number Sequences in Victorian Year 4
This topic is about patterns and the rules behind them. Students build sequences of multiples by skip counting, find missing numbers in multiplication and division sentences, use the equals sign as a balance, and follow step-by-step rules that generate number sequences.
The four subtopics are Number Sequences with Multiples, Missing Numbers in Multiplication and Division Sentences, Equivalent Number Sentences, and Algorithms that Generate Number Sequences. Patterns and Number Sequences is one of the 20 topics in Victorian Year 4 Maths and draws on the Number and Algebra strands. It comes under Victorian Curriculum codes VC2M4N02 (sequences of multiples), VC2M4A02 (multiplication and division facts), VC2M4A01 (unknown values in number sentences) and VC2M4N10 (algorithms). It leads on to finding unknowns and describing patterns with larger numbers.
Subtopics
Patterns and Number Sequences: common questions
What is a sequence of multiples, and how do you continue one?
It is a list made by counting in equal steps of one number, so it follows that number's times table. Find the step, then add it, or take it away if the list goes down: \(56, 48, 40, 32\) goes down by \(8\), so the next number is \(24\).
How do you find the missing number in a multiplication sentence?
Use the inverse operation. In \(\square \times 9 = 72\), the box times \(9\) makes \(72\), so divide: \(72 \div 9 = 8\). Check by multiplying back: \(8 \times 9 = 72\).
What does the equals sign really mean?
It means both sides have the same value, like a balance, not “the answer comes next”. In \(46 + 29 = 45 + \square\) the left side is \(75\), so the box is \(30\). In \(7 \times 4 = 14 \times \square\) both sides must make \(28\), so the box is \(2\).
What is an algorithm in Year 4 maths?
An algorithm is a start number and a rule you repeat. “Start at \(7\) and add \(5\)” gives \(7, 12, 17, 22\). Rules can also double, take away, or use two steps such as “double, then add 1”. Students work out the rule from a sequence too.
Which curriculum codes cover Patterns and Number Sequences in Victorian Year 4?
Victorian Curriculum 2.0 code VC2M4N02 covers number sequences made of multiples, VC2M4A02 covers using multiplication and division facts to find missing numbers, VC2M4A01 covers finding unknown values that keep a number sentence balanced, and VC2M4N10 covers following and making algorithms.