Answer to Yesterday’s ASVAB Question on Patterns and Sequences

Arithmetic Reasoning Patterns and Sequences

Yesterday I presented an example about patterns and sequences.

Did you know what number would come next in the following pattern?

1/4, 1/16, 1/64, ______

In working as an ASVAB tutor, I see the importance of presenting the topic of patterns and sequences in ASVAB math prep.  Yesterday I presented this example involving patterns with fractions.  Fractions can be an intimidating topic in math for some.  In looking at this pattern,  the bottom number increases. The top number is always 1.  The bottom number is increasing quickly.

1/4 to 1/16 shows that the bottom number is multiplied by 4.

1/16 to 1/64 shows that the bottom number is multiplied by 4.

The next number in the pattern is found by multiplying the bottom number by 4.

1/64 then becomes 1/256, the final answer.