Arithmetic Reasoning

Patterns and Sequences

Yesterday I presented a question on patterns and sequences.

What comes next in the pattern:

1/3, 1/6, 1/9, _____

In my role as an ASVAB tutor, I remind the students in my ASVAB prep course about the importance of reviewing patterns and sequences.  Patterns and sequences can appear on the Arithmetic Reasoning section of the ASVAB. It is one of the 15 subtopics for Arithmetic Reasoning that I included in my book, The ASVAB Tutor’s Arithmetic Reasoning Study Guide.

Today’s example includes fractions in the pattern.  Many people do not like working with fractions and in turn would not appreciate this question.  I remind my students that patterns are not too difficult to solve.

In looking at this pattern 1/3, 1/6, 1/9, ____, we need to see what number comes next.

What is happening in this pattern?

The numerator remains as 1.

The denominator is getting bigger.

From 3 to 6 increased by 3.

From 6 to 9 increased by 3.

The next denominator will increase by 3.

The final denominator will be 12.

The pattern is 1/3, 1/6, 1/9, and 1/12.