Number patterns

Number patterns that follow a rule, like add 7. Your child continues a pattern, finds the rule, and notices things the rule doesn't say, like every number being odd.

Make a sheet Download PDFThe PDF has this sheet, its answer key and a guide for grown-ups.

How to help

Find the rule by checking the jump from each number to the next. Use the same jump every time to fill the gaps, then check that the numbers already shown still fit.

patternnumbers that change by a rule
rulewhat happens each step, like add 7
termone number in a pattern
odd and evennumbers that don't or do split into pairs

Watch for: Finding the jump from only the first two numbers and not checking the rest. An adding slip early on, which throws off every number after it. Guessing odd or even without writing out a few numbers first.

At home: Take turns making patterns out loud: start at 3, add 5. The other person says the next three numbers and names the rule.

Sample sheet and answer key

Luna's Space Adventure

Grade 4 · Number patterns · 4.OA.C.5

NameDate

Astronaut Luna is exploring a far-off corner of space. Solve each problem to help Luna's mission go smoothly!

Follow the rule

Keep going with the same rule.

20,28,36,,,,4,14,24,,,,15,19,23,,,,5,15,25,,,,18,28,38,,,,

Find the rule

What is being added each time?

22, 24, 26, 28, 30, …

16, 28, 40, 52, 64, …

17, 23, 29, 35, 41, …

11, 14, 17, 20, 23, …

Odd or even?

Start at an odd number and add 4 each time. Look at the terms.

Start at 5, add 4. Every term is…oddeven

Start at 6, add 3. The terms are…all evenodd and even in turn

Sheet

Luna's Space Adventure

Grade 4 · Number patterns · 4.OA.C.5

Answer key

Astronaut Luna is exploring a far-off corner of space. Solve each problem to help Luna's mission go smoothly!

Follow the rule

Keep going with the same rule.

20,28,36,44,52,60,684,14,24,34,44,54,6415,19,23,27,31,35,395,15,25,35,45,55,6518,28,38,48,58,68,78

Find the rule

What is being added each time?

22, 24, 26, 28, 30, …add 2

16, 28, 40, 52, 64, …add 12

17, 23, 29, 35, 41, …add 6

11, 14, 17, 20, 23, …add 3

Odd or even?

Start at an odd number and add 4 each time. Look at the terms.

Start at 5, add 4. Every term is…oddeven

Start at 6, add 3. The terms are…all evenodd and even in turn

Answer key

New problems every time, three levels (gentle, core and stretch), themes to pick from, a second page if you want one. Each sheet comes with an answer key and a one-page guide for grown-ups.

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Standard

Common Core 4.OA.C.5 · Make and extend number and shape patterns that follow a rule.

Also: Maryland 2025 5.AT.B.3 · Texas TEKS 3.5E · Florida B.E.S.T. MA.4.AR.3.2 · Virginia SOL 3.PFA.1

Number patterns

How to help

Sample sheet and answer key

Standard

More grade 4 sheets: operations & algebraic thinking