Mathematics Multiplication & Divisionusually ages 9–10

Shape patterns

Generate a number or shape pattern that follows a given rule; identify apparent features of the pattern not explicit in the rule and explain informally why they occur

How to tell they’ve got it

Tick these off as you see them — no test required.

Given 'start at 1, add 3', generate terms and notice they alternate odd/even
Given a shape pattern, predict the next three terms and describe the rule
Explain why starting at 2 and adding 4 always gives even numbers

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Try this together

If your child is told 'start at 3 and multiply by 2 each time', can they write out the pattern — 3, 6, 12, 24, 48 — and spot any interesting features in how it grows?

Where this sits on the map

Stuck here? Check the skills it builds on first. Confident? Here’s what it unlocks.

Builds on

Patterns in Times Tablesages 8–9Identifying arithmetic patterns feeds into generating and analysing patterns from rules

Shape patternsthis skill · ages 9–10

Unlocks

Linear number sequencesages 10–11Linear sequences with negative/decimal steps extends Y5 pattern generation

Number Pattern Relationshipsages 10–11Analysing two patterns extends Y5 single-pattern generation

Reasoning with Equivalencesages 9–10Generating patterns from rules exercises repeated reasoning and generalisation

solid = must come firstdashed = helps

Curriculum alignment

Candidate matches to official curriculum codes — machine-suggested, unreviewed (v0.1).

Show candidate curriculum codes · 3 ACARA · 2 NSW · 3 VIC

Australian Curriculum v9 candidate

AC9M6A01medium confidenceYear 6 · Algebra

recognise and use rules that generate visually growing patterns and number patterns involving rational numbers

AC9M6A03low confidenceYear 6 · Algebra

create and use algorithms involving a sequence of steps and decisions that use rules to generate sets of numbers; identify, interpret and explain emerging patterns

AC9M4SP03low confidenceYear 4 · Space

recognise line and rotational symmetry of shapes and create symmetrical patterns and pictures, using dynamic geometric software where appropriate

NSW syllabus codes & stages only

MA2-2DS-01low confidenceMathematics K-10 · Stage 2

MA3-2DS-01low confidenceMathematics K-10 · Stage 3

Victorian Curriculum 2.0 codes & levels only

VC2M6A01medium confidenceMathematics · Level 6 · Algebra strand

VC2M6A03medium confidenceMathematics · Level 6 · Algebra strand

VC2M4SP04low confidenceMathematics · Level 4 · Space strand

These are candidate alignments generated by semantic matching — machine-suggested and unreviewed (v0.1), not official or verified mappings. For official curriculum content see australiancurriculum.edu.au, curriculum.nsw.edu.au and f10.vcaa.vic.edu.au. Don’t rely on them for registration or compliance purposes.

Nearby on the map

Arrays for multiplication (age 9+)ages 9–10 Division with remaindersages 9–10 Factors, multiples, and primesages 9–11 Factors, multiples, and primes (age 9+)ages 9–10

All Multiplication & Division skills →