Introduction to Patterns, Equations and Relations
To start this unit, we begin with a Number Trick:
 Write down any number (N) ______
 Add to it the number that comes after it (N + 1) ________
 Add 9 _______
 Divide by 2 ________
 Subtract the number you began with (N) _______
 Everyone should end up with 5! _______
How it works:
N
N + (N + 1) = 2N + 1
2N + 1 + 9
2N + 10
2N + 10 ÷ 2
N+5
N+5–N
5
All patterns can be summarized with a rule or algebraic expression.
An algebraic expression is a mathematical statement that usually includes:
o one or more variable (an unknown value or quantity that has a changing value,
represented by a letter)
o one or more constant (a value that does not change, represented by a number)
o one or more numerical coefficient (numeric factor)
o at least one mathematical operation (+, -, ×, ÷)
For example,
2d + 1 is an algebraic expression. 2 is the numerical coefficient, d is the variable, and 1 is
the constant
-3j - 4 is an algebraic expression. -3 is the numerical coefficient, j is the variable, and -4
is the constant
h – 3 is an algebraic expression. 1 is the numerical coefficient, h is the variable and -3 is
the constant
6s is an algebraic expression. 6 is the numerical coefficient, s is the variable and 0 is the
constant
By analyzing a pattern, we can determine the algebraic expression (rule) and use this
expression to evaluate larger terms in the sequence/pattern (Next Stations Activity)