A growing pattern is a pattern that changes in a regular, predictable way, usually by increasing or decreasing according to a clear rule. It can use numbers, shapes, or objects, and each step in the pattern is larger or smaller than the one before in a consistent way.

What is a growing pattern?

  • A growing pattern is one where something is added or taken away each time in the same way (for example, “add 2 each time” or “add one block each step”).
  • It is different from a repeating pattern because it does not just cycle through the same items; instead, it changes steadily from step to step.

Simple number examples

  • 2, 4, 6, 8, 10 → grows by adding 2 each time.
  • 5, 10, 15, 20 → grows by adding 5 each time.
  • 20, 18, 16, 14 → this is also a growing pattern in the sense that it changes regularly (here it decreases by 2 each time).

Shape or picture examples

  • Step 1: 1 square
  • Step 2: 2 squares
  • Step 3: 3 squares
  • Step 4: 4 squares

Here, the rule is “add 1 square each step,” so the design gets bigger like a staircase.

Key features of a growing pattern

  • There is a rule (for example, “add 3,” “take away 1,” “add one triangle each row”).
  • Each new term can be predicted if you know the rule.
  • The pattern may grow in:
    • Size (more blocks, more shapes)
    • Number (bigger numbers)
    • Complexity (more pieces in the design)

Why growing patterns matter

  • They prepare students for algebra by helping them notice and describe rules.
  • They support skills like:
    • Skip counting
    • Understanding sequences
    • Predicting “what comes next” or “what came before”

In short, when someone asks “what is a growing pattern,” they are usually talking about any pattern that changes step by step using the same rule, rather than simply repeating the exact same sequence.

TL;DR: A growing pattern is a pattern that increases or decreases in a regular way, following a consistent rule, so each step can be predicted from the one before it.