Rules for growing patterns
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Log in to continueConnect a visual change to a rule, including rational increments.
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A row of 3 separate unit squares would use 12 matchsticks. Join them edge to edge in one straight row, sharing 2 edges. How many matchsticks are needed?
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Answer: 10 matchsticks
- Start with 12 edges for separate squares.
- Every shared edge saves one stick: 12 − 2 = 10.
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Curriculum reference
Victorian Curriculum F–10 Version 2.0
Pi Leo practice scope
Connect a visual change to a rule, including rational increments.
Read the official VCAA curriculum description (VC2M6A01)
These quizzes practise concepts within this topic. Multiple-choice answers alone do not demonstrate drawing, conducting an investigation or using a digital tool.
Activities to practise beyond the quiz
- Supported by the guided activity; selecting an MCQ does not demonstrate this action.
- VC2M6A01-C01A row of joined squares grows by three sticks each time because each new square shares one side. The starting square must also be accounted for.
- VC2M6A01-C02A growing number pattern can add a fraction or decimal at each step. Keep the increment constant and record exact values.
- VC2M6A01-C03State a start value, an operation and how many repetitions occur. These details determine the pattern unambiguously.
- VC2M6A01-C04Creating visual/rational patterns and explaining their rules.
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Subskills
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Descriptor-derived subskills
- D01Explain a visually growing rowA row of joined squares grows by three sticks each time because each new square shares one side. The starting square must also be accounted for.
- D02Use a fractional incrementA growing number pattern can add a fraction or decimal at each step. Keep the increment constant and record exact values.
- D03Trace a rational-number ruleState a start value, an operation and how many repetitions occur. These details determine the pattern unambiguously.