Property
To find a missing number in a sequence, first determine the rule of the pattern by finding the difference between two consecutive numbers. Then, apply this rule by adding or subtracting from a known number to find the unknown term.
Examples
Fill in the blank: 125,410; 135,410; ___.
- To find the pattern, look at how the numbers change — each increases by 10,000.
- The rule is to add 10,000. So, 135,410+10,000=145,410.
Fill in the blank: 788,204; ___; 768,204; 758,204.
- Notice that the numbers are getting smaller each time, and the difference between them is 10,000.
- The rule is to subtract 10,000. So, 788,204−10,000=778,204.
Fill in the blank: 499,000; ___; 501,000.
- To find the pattern, compare the first and last numbers: from 499,000 to 501,000, the increase is 2,000. There are two equal steps, so each step must be 1,000.
- The rule is to add 1,000. So, 499,000+1,000=500,000.
Explanation
This skill involves analyzing a sequence of numbers to find the pattern, which could be adding or subtracting 1,000, 10,000, or 100,000. Once you identify the rule, you can find a missing number that is inside the sequence. This requires applying the rule forwards from the number before the blank or backwards from the number after the blank. This strengthens your understanding of place value and number relationships.