A linear number pattern is a sequence of numbers where the difference between every term is the same.
This means that when you look at the numbers in the sequence one after the other, the amount you add or subtract to get from one term to the next is always constant. This constant value is often called the common difference.
Example of a Linear Pattern
Using the reference provided:
- A classic example is the sequence: 1, 3, 5, 7, 9, ...
- Let's look at the differences between consecutive terms:
- Difference between 3 and 1: 3 - 1 = 2
- Difference between 5 and 3: 5 - 3 = 2
- Difference between 7 and 5: 7 - 5 = 2
- Difference between 9 and 7: 9 - 7 = 2
As you can see, there is a difference of 2 between every term. Since this difference is the same throughout the sequence, it is a linear pattern.
These sequences of numbers are also commonly referred to as linear numbers. They represent a simple, predictable progression, much like points lying on a straight line when plotted on a graph (hence the name "linear").
