Arithmetic Reasoning
Patterns and Sequences
Yesterday I presented a question on patterns and sequences.
What comes next in the pattern:
5, 2, 8, 5, 11, _____
In working as an ASVAB tutor, I focus on presenting the subtopic of patterns and sequences. Patterns and sequences could appear on the Arithmetic Reasoning section of the ASVAB. I wrote a book entitled, The ASVAB Tutor’s Arithmetic Reasoning Study Guide. My book Some patterns increase. Some patterns decrease. This pattern decreases and increases. In order to figure out the next number in the pattern, analyze what is happening from one number to the next.
Analyze the pattern:
5, 2, 8, 5, 11, _____
From 5 to 2, it decreased by 3.
From 2 to 8, it increased by 6.
From 8 to 5, it decreased by 3.
From 5 to 11, it increased by 6.
The pattern is decrease by 3, increase by 6, decrease by 3, increase by 6.
Down 3, up 6, down 3, up 6.
The next number will go down by 3.
11 – 3 = 8
The next number in the pattern is 8.
Did you know how to figure out what came next in the pattern?
