Answer to Question #124825 in Algebra for Phineas

Question

Describe,using examples,how can a teacher use number lines and grids to represent number patterns?

Answer 1

A number line in mathematics in used in a variety of purposes. In some cases, it can be used in representing numbers on a line like rulers, timelines, measuring scales among others. All the mentioned examples are of a number line. Therefore, a number line can either take any form ranging from curved to a straight line.

Showing a maths pattern using a number line, we can link the numbers with counting. Creating that a pattern that will skip counting. Then representation of the pattern on a number line in a way that it keeps on repeating. For instance, 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9... The above number line shows a pattern with equal distance on a number line that is useful to students to skip counting. The pattern here is adding 1, 1, 1, 1, 1, 1, 1, 1 starting from 1. Similarly, you can create a pattern of a number line with unequal distancing for example 2, 5, 10, 17, 26.... and so on. The pattern here is adding 3, 5, 7, 9 starting from 2. The only key is to be able to identify the pattern in any given numbers. Students apply the knowledge of a number line to discover patterns in number sequences and other mathematical order of operations. All the above examples are changing patterns. Repeating patterns take a form of like 1, 2, 3, 1, 2, 3.

A number grid is crucial to learners as it helps them to get a clear understanding of numbers and how they work. Also, is a tool which assists learners to be able to count and solve mathematical problems which they can't solve by themselves. Number grids can be used to explore number patterns. For example, children can start at zero and count by 2s. If they color each box as they go, they will have colored all the even numbers. If they start at one and count by 2s they will color all the odd numbers. If they count by 5s, starting at zero, they will color numbers with 0 or 5 in the ones place. They can be used as a counting tool as shown below.