Grade 5 · Patterns
Maker-space materials: predict an additive number pattern
A planning table for a maker space begins at 4, adds 4 each time, and lists 7 terms. Change the controls and explain what the animation reveals.
Predict what will happen, press Play, then pause and explain what changed. Every control also works without playback.
Watch the relationship
PausedHD animation studio
From experiment to screen.
Present a crisp Canvas scene, save a full-HD image, or capture your model as a silent video.
Understand what you are seeing
The idea behind the motion.
A planning table for a maker space begins at 4, adds 4 each time, and lists 7 terms. An additive pattern has a constant difference between neighboring terms. The first term already exists, so reaching term n requires n minus one additions, not n additions. Term 7 is 28, after 6 increments of 4. A different starting value shifts every term by the same amount.
A relationship to keep
Term n = 4 + (n − 1) × 4
Read the symbols alongside the explanation. A diagram shows the relationship; the assumptions tell you when it applies.
- STEP 1
Read the starting situation
A planning table for a maker space begins at 4, adds 4 each time, and lists 7 terms. Identify what each number measures before changing a control; the worked example refers to these starting values.
- STEP 2
Follow the mathematical change
Reveal the terms from left to right. Compare consecutive differences before predicting the final term from the rule. Pause on an intermediate frame and compare the picture with the live readouts.
- STEP 3
Explain and test the relationship
Term 7 is 28, after 6 increments of 4. A different starting value shifts every term by the same amount. Change one input, predict its effect, and test whether the same relationship still works.
Your turn to explain
Make a prediction. Test your reasoning.
Maker-space materials: use the original situation. A planning table for a maker space begins at 4, adds 4 each time, and lists 7 terms. What is the next term after the displayed 7 terms?
Use the values specified in the question. Reset restores the initial values for this investigation.
Compare your explanation
32. Add 4 once more to 28.
Work through a full lesson
Connect the animation to a worked example and practice questions.