Make a pattern from a rule
Spotting what stays the same in a pattern, and asking why, is where your child's algebraic thinking begins. Next year they compare two patterns side by side and plot them on a graph. In middle school, a rule like "start at 3 and add 6" is written with a letter, and patterns become the functions and graphs at the heart of algebra.
In this video, your child will learn to make number patterns from a rule.
The lesson stops at each question for your child's answer.
Three problems, each a little harder
Each problem is worked step by step. Your child will solve the last one before Bobby shows how.
Example 1
Start at 2. Add 3. What is the 5th number?
Example 2
Start at 3. Multiply by 2. What is the 5th number?
Your child's turn
Start at 4. Add 6 each time. Will the numbers be odd or even?
The three key steps
- 1Start at the first number.
- 2Use the rule each time.
- 3Look for odd and even.
Mistakes to listen for
- Adding the wrong amount partway through, writing 3, 9, 15, 20 instead of checking each step against the rule.
- Noticing a feature, like "the numbers are all odd," but explaining it with a guess that does not connect to the rule.
- Confusing the starting number with the rule, so "start at 4, add 5" becomes 5, 9, 13 instead of 4, 9, 14.
The lesson shows every step, so your child sees why it works. Read our parent's guide to number patterns that follow a rule →
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More 4th grade Problem Solving, with questions your child answers along the way.
Questions parents ask
Does my child need an account to watch?
No. You can watch this on any device at any time. If your child would like to practice number patterns that follow a rule, and you'd like parent-friendly reports on your child's progress and growth, you can join Bobby's Math Club for unlimited free practice.
What happens when my child answers a question?
A right answer gets a cheer, and the lesson carries on. If your child isn't sure, they can tap "I don't know yet", and Bobby gives the answer and shows another example. Nothing is scored or stored.
Is this the same lesson that's on YouTube?
Yes. Here, the lesson stops at each question and waits for your child to answer. On YouTube, each question stays on screen for a few seconds, and then the lesson plays on.
Where can I learn more?
There's a short, kid-friendly lesson like this one for every Pre-K to 5th grade math skill, all in our video library. Our parent's guide to number patterns that follow a rule has more on where kids get stuck and how you can help at home. In the club, your child practices at just the right level, about five minutes a day, and you get parent-friendly reports as they grow. Learn more about how it works →
Practice number patterns that follow a rule
Questions at your child's level, about five minutes a day, on number patterns that follow a rule and whatever PK-5 skills they need to develop. Unlimited practice, free forever.
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