1.2 Pattern Block Sequences Virtual Manipulatives

Math Activity 1.2
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1.19
MATH ACTIVITY 1.2
Virtual
Manipulatives
Pattern Block Sequences
Purpose: Identify and extend patterns in pattern block sequences.
Materials: Pattern Blocks in the Manipulative Kit or Virtual Manipulatives.
1. Here are the first four pattern block figures of a sequence composed of trapezoids
(red) and parallelograms (tan).
1st
2d
3d
4th
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*a. Find a pattern and use your pattern blocks to build a fifth figure. Sketch this
figure.
*b. If the pattern is continued, how many trapezoids and parallelograms will be in the
10th figure?
c. What pattern blocks are on each end of the 35th figure in the sequence, and how
many of each shape are in that figure?
d. Determine the total number of pattern blocks in the 75th figure, and write an
explanation describing how you reached your conclusion.
2. Figures 1, 3, 5, and 7 are shown from a sequence using hexagons, squares, and
triangles.
1st
3d
5th
7th
a. Find a pattern and use your pattern blocks to build the eighth and ninth figures.
*b. Write a description of the 20th figure.
c. Write a description of the 174th, 175th, and 176th figures, and include the number
of hexagons, squares, and triangles in each.
3. Use your pattern blocks to build figures 8 and 9 of the following sequence.
1st
2d
3d
4th
5th
6th
*a. Describe the pattern by which you extend the sequence. Determine the number of
triangles and parallelograms in the 20th figure.
b. How many pattern blocks are in the 45th figure?
c. The fifth figure in the sequence has 7 pattern blocks. What is the number of the
figure that has 87 blocks? Explain your reasoning.
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