Sequences
Sequences are introduced in Grade 4 Saxon Math Intermediate 4 (Chapter 1) as counting patterns where each term follows a specific rule. Students learn to identify the rule by examining how consecutive terms relate — for example, 3, 7, 11, 15 has the rule "add 4". Once the rule is identified, they apply it to find subsequent terms: 15 + 4 = 19, then 19 + 4 = 23. A key strategy is verifying the rule against at least three or four terms before applying it.
Key Concepts
New Concept A counting pattern is a sequence .
What’s next Next, you’ll practice identifying the rule for a sequence and use it to find the next numbers in the pattern.
Common Questions
What is a sequence in Grade 4 math?
A sequence is a list of numbers following a specific rule or pattern. Each number in the list is called a term. The rule is the operation (add, subtract, multiply) that gets you from one term to the next.
How do you find the rule for the sequence 3, 7, 11, 15?
Subtract consecutive terms: 7-3=4, 11-7=4, 15-11=4. The difference is constant at 4, so the rule is add 4. The next terms are 19 and 23.
What is the rule for 5, 10, 15, 20?
The difference between consecutive terms is 5. The rule is add 5. This is the same as skip-counting by 5s.
Why should you verify the rule against multiple terms?
Checking only the first two terms can be misleading if the pattern is more complex. Always verify the rule holds for at least three or four consecutive term pairs before using it to extend the sequence.
What is the difference between a term and a rule in a sequence?
A term is any individual number in the sequence (like 3, 7, 11). The rule is the operation that connects consecutive terms (like add 4). You use the rule to predict future terms.