Patterning and Algebra - Intro

This math unit focuses on developing and reinforcing students' understanding of recognizing and manipulating patterns in number sequences. Initially, students learn to identify missing or subsequent numbers in simple decreasing and increasing arithmetic sequences by observing consistent intervals. They progress towards understanding sequences driven by place values, where they must recognize increments by powers of ten, and later advancing to handling missing terms within such structured sequences. The unit then delves into Fibonacci sequences, enhancing pattern recognition capabilities by applying the rule of summing preceding numbers. The complexity increases as students are tasked to identify rules generating arithmetic sequences and compute specific terms, including learning to apply formulas for term identification. Practical application and understanding are solidified when students work with equations that define the sequences, requiring them to find initial terms or verify whether proposed sequences fit given equations. Later in the unit, the focus shifts towards algebraic understanding in sequences, extending from simple arithmetic sequences to polynomial sequences, requiring substitutions into expressions and understanding algebraic forms. Throughout, learners build a strong foundation in basic operations, pattern recognition, sequences, and introductory algebra, preparing them for more advanced mathematical concepts.Skills you will learn include:

• Arithmetic patterns
• Geometric patterns
• Algebra of patterns
• Fibonacci patterns
• Extending patterns
• Finding missing value in pattern
• Term value
• Equations for patterns