Example 1
Continue: circle, square, circle, square, ...
- The shortest repeat is circle, square.
- The last shown item is square.
- Start the repeat again with circle.
So: A circle comes next.
Back to National 3
Unit: Shape, Space and Measures
Shape Patterns
A shape pattern repeats a clear group of shapes or changes in a predictable way. National 3 focuses on simple repeating, continuing and creating patterns.
Supports assessment standard: 1.4
Topic explanation
In an AB pattern, two items repeat: A, B, A, B. In an ABB pattern, three items repeat: A, B, B, A, B, B.
Pay attention to both shape and colour. A pattern may repeat one property or more than one.
To create a clear pattern, repeat the complete unit at least twice so another person can see the rule.
Worked repeating pattern
Quick methods
- Find the repeat
- Look for the shortest group that repeats exactly.
- Continue
- Start the repeating group again after its last item.
- Check
- Read the whole sequence to confirm the repeat still works.
- Create
- Choose a small repeat and copy it at least twice.
Worked examples
Example 2
How many shapes repeat in triangle, triangle, square, triangle, triangle, square?
- Look for the shortest repeated group.
- Triangle, triangle, square repeats exactly.
- That group contains 3 shapes.
So: The repeating unit has 3 shapes.
Example 3
Create a simple shape pattern.
- Choose a short repeating unit, such as circle, square.
- Copy the whole unit at least twice.
- Check that no shape has been missed.
So: One answer is circle, square, circle, square.