Grade
4

What Comes Next? Fraction Patterns

What do you notice? What do you wonder? What comes next?

First, 3 fraction strips, each with 2 equal parts. In each strip, 1 part is red. Next, 2 fraction strips, each with 2 equal parts. In one strip, both parts are red. In the other, 1 part is red. Then the expression 3 times 1-half (in red). Next, 3 fraction strips, each is 1-third purple. Then 1 fraction strip in 3 equal parts, all purple. Next, the expression 3 times 1-third (in purple). Last, 3 fraction strips, each with 4 equal parts. In each strip, one part is orange.

Draw or use objects to show what the next four pictures look like. Describe how you know what comes next.

Challenge

What would the 33rd picture look like?

What might earlier pictures look like? Why do you think so?

Follow-up

Create your own pattern and share it with someone else. Ask them what comes next!

Printable Version

Google doc for printing and copying

Reference for Educators

Sample problems and solutions