Maths Library

Number patterns and sequences: Grade 1 math

This topic covers identifying pattern rules, continuing numerical sequences, and finding missing terms. The worksheet reinforces recognition of arithmetic, geometric, and special sequences like square numbers.

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What this covers

Number patterns and sequences is taught in Grade 1 (age 6 to 7) as a main teaching focus. It sits in the Algebra strand.

Worked example

Find the next two terms in the sequence: 4, 9, 14, 19, ...

  1. Find the difference between consecutive terms: 9 - 4 = 5, 14 - 9 = 5
  2. Add 5 to the fourth term: 19 + 5 = 24
  3. Add 5 to the fifth term: 24 + 5 = 29

Answer: 24, 29

Difficulty scale

The sheet generator offers five difficulty settings for this topic.

  1. Simple ascending linear sequences with step sizes of 2, 5, or 10
  2. Linear sequences with arbitrary integer additions or subtractions
  3. Sequences involving negative numbers or descending patterns
  4. Simple geometric sequences involving doubling, tripling, or halving
  5. Non-linear sequences including square numbers, triangular numbers, or Fibonacci-type patterns

Common mistakes

  • Assuming all sequences are arithmetic and searching only for a constant difference
  • Subtracting the wrong way around when determining the common difference in descending sequences

Curriculum links

Indicative matches to Common Core State Standards. Check wording and codes against the official document.

  • 1.NBT.A.1 Count to 120 starting at any number, and read and write numerals within this range.
  • 1.NBT.C.5 Mentally find ten more or ten less than a given two-digit number without counting.

Sample sheet and answers

Six questions at the level's usual difficulty. Open the editor to change, add or regenerate any of them.

Number patterns and sequences

Grade 1 math

Qs
6
Marks
6
NameDateScore / 6
1.
Find the next two numbers: 15, 18, 21, 24, ,
[1]
2.
Find the next two numbers: 11, 18, 25, 32, ,
[1]
3.
Find the next two numbers: 13, 19, 25, 31, ,
[1]
4.
Find the next two numbers: 20, 26, 32, 38, ,
[1]
5.
Find the next two numbers: 1, 7, 13, 19, ,
[1]
6.
Find the next two numbers: 3, 10, 17, 24, ,
[1]

Answer key

  1. 27, 30The rule is add 3 each time; 24 then 27 then 30
  2. 39, 46The rule is add 7 each time; 32 then 39 then 46
  3. 37, 43The rule is add 6 each time; 31 then 37 then 43
  4. 44, 50The rule is add 6 each time; 38 then 44 then 50
  5. 25, 31The rule is add 6 each time; 19 then 25 then 31
  6. 31, 38The rule is add 7 each time; 24 then 31 then 38