Definition
Repeating pattern
A repeating pattern is made by repeating the same finite unit in the same order.
Continue from this idea into connected AXIO math.
Defining relationship
Finish the block, then return to its start.
A repeating pattern is a sequence or arrangement generated by repeating one fixed, non-empty finite unit in order.
- term 1Anext
- term 2Breturn
- term 3Anext
- term 4Breturn
- term 5Anext
- term 6B
fixed repeating unit A–B
What it means
Find the shortest block that comes back unchanged. When that block ends, the pattern starts again from its first item. The items can be colours, shapes, sounds, actions, or numbers.
Remember it
Finish the block, then return to its start.
Example
Clap, stomp, stomp repeats a three-action unit. Positions 1, 4, 7, and 10 are claps, so the 11th action is a stomp.
Watch for
The sequence 3, 5, 7, 9, … is growing, not repeating, because no fixed finite block returns unchanged.
Common mix-up
Repeating the last item is not enough. The whole repeating unit must return in the same order.
Exact meaning
A repeating pattern is a sequence or arrangement generated by repeating one fixed, non-empty finite unit in order.