Exploring patterns

Patterns are at the heart of mathematics.

All patterns have regularities that we can perceive visually, auditorily and somatically (through tactile or action-based sensations). To discern, describe, extend, adjust, make and translate patterns, we need to be able to identify the repeating core, or pattern unit.

Example of ABC pattern

The use of the same three coloured blocks, arranged in a particular order, over and over and over again, creates a repeating pattern. This is a three-part pattern as it has three parts that make up the pattern core (in this instance, a blue block, a red block and a yellow block).

A pattern with a 3-part repeating core could look like:




We can describe this 3-part pattern as an ABC pattern, the core has 3-parts and each part has a unique attribute (in this case, the attribute that’s changing is colour).

Example of ABB pattern

An ABA pattern also has a core of 3 parts with two unique attributes, one of which is repeated. In the example below, the blue block is used before and after the red block: