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Number sequences

A number sequence is a list of numbers that are linked by a rule.

If you work out the rule, you can work out the next numbers in the sequence. Below are some examples.

Example 1

9, 15, 21, 27

In this example, the difference between each number is 6:

Number sequence example 1.

So the rule for this sequence is to add 6 each time.

Now you can work out the next number in the sequence:
27 + 6 = 33

Example 2

2, 6, 18, 54

In this example, the difference between each number is different each time. You need to find a rule that fits for each number in the sequence - in this case, each number has been multiplied by 3:

Number sequence example 1.

So the rule is to multiply by 3 each time.

Now you can work out the next number in the sequence:
54 x 3 = 162

More from Number patterns:

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