The tables are full of patterns. Every one of them has a reason.
Step 1: Let's Learn
Read it, or press Listen and follow the words.
An example
Adding two odd numbers always gives an even answer. Each odd number has one left over, and the two leftovers pair up.
Patterns let you predict
Once you know why, you can say what comes next without working it out.
But check it
A pattern that holds for three examples might fail on the fourth. The reason is what makes it safe.
Describe the rule, not just the next term
Given 4, 8, 12, 16, saying "20 comes next" is only half the work. The rule is "add 4 each time", or "these are the multiples of 4". A rule lets you find the hundredth term; a next-number guess does not.
Explaining why the pattern happens
The multiples of 4 are all even because 4 is even, so every multiple is a number of even groups. That is an explanation, not just an observation. Being able to say why is what separates spotting a pattern from understanding one.
Test your rule before trusting it
Once you think you have the rule, test it on a term you have not used yet. Patterns can look convincing from three examples and then fail on the fourth. Checking against a value you did not build the rule from is the only honest test.
Step 2: Try It Yourself
Tap and try it out.
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Tap any square to see its number sentence.
4 × 6 = 24
4 rows of 6 makes 24.
Step 3: Watch an Example
One step at a time.
Watch Leo Explain a Growing Pattern
Leo notices each answer in the 6 times table is 6 more than the last.
- Step 1
He checks a few: 6, 12, 18, 24. Each is 6 more.
Step 4: Your Turn
Practice makes it stick.
The Next One
Problem 1 of 2
The 7 times table goes 7, 14, 21, 28. What comes next?
Odd and Odd
Problem 2 of 2
Is 7 + 9 odd or even?
Find and Explain
1 of 3
The 8 times table goes 8, 16, 24. What comes next?
2 of 3
Is 6 + 8 odd or even?
3 of 3
Is 5 + 8 odd or even?
Step 5: Quick Check
Show what you know.
Question 1 of 2
The 9 times table goes 9, 18, 27. What comes next?
Question 2 of 2
Why is spotting a pattern not enough?
What You Learned
- Every pattern in the tables has a reason.
- Knowing the reason lets you predict safely.
- A pattern without a reason might fail on the next case.