Mathematics workshop
Patterns, rules and data
Find the repeating unit, sort objects and read a small table.
Theory
The shortest repeating unit
A pattern repeats one unit in the same order. Find the shortest unit that repeats. You can copy it, repair a broken repeat or translate it into letters: circle → A, square → B, triangle → C. The symbols change but their order stays the same.
Complete the copy and choose the shortest repeating unit’s length.
Choose a symbol, then a position in your answer.
The same set, a different rule
These six shapes can be sorted by colour, shape or size. The set stays the same; only the grouping rule changes. Choose an item, then its group. You can select a sorted item and move it again.
Sort all six items. Rule: colour.
Selected item: 1
red
blue
A pictograph and a small table
Each row label tells you what was counted. The pictograph key says how many objects one symbol stands for: sometimes one, sometimes two. A table records the count as a number. Use these data to find the largest count or combine two rows.
Which fruit has the largest count?
= 1 fruit
| Fruit | Symbols |
|---|---|
| Apples | |
| Pears | |
| Plums |
Practice
Try different ways. Undo a step or start again when you need to.
Choose an activity
Short repeats, sorting and small counts
Complete the copy and choose the shortest repeating unit’s length.
Choose a symbol, then a position in your answer.
Games
Build your answer and choose Check. Ask for a hint if you need one.
Choose an activity
Short repeats, sorting and small counts
Complete the copy and choose the shortest repeating unit’s length.
Choose a symbol, then a position in your answer.