Common Mistakes with Data Patterns
Learn to avoid common errors when analyzing data and finding patterns!
Why Mistakes Happen
Learning from Errors
Data patterns require careful attention to the rule that connects numbers. Mistakes often happen when students don't check their pattern against all the data.
Mistake #1: Only Checking Part of the Pattern
Wrong Way
Pattern: 2, 4, 6, 8, 10...
"The rule is add 2" (only checked first two numbers)
Right Way
Pattern: 2, 4, 6, 8, 10...
Check: 2+2=4, 4+2=6, 6+2=8, 8+2=10
Rule works for ALL pairs!
Mistake #2: Confusing the Pattern Rule
Wrong Way
Pattern: 3, 6, 12, 24...
"Add 3 each time"
Right Way
Pattern: 3, 6, 12, 24...
"Multiply by 2 each time"
3×2=6, 6×2=12, 12×2=24
Mistake #3: Misreading Graph Scales
Wrong Way
Graph axis goes 0, 5, 10, 15...
Reading point at "3" when it's at 15
Right Way
Check the scale: each line = 5
Point is at the 3rd line = 15
Mistake #4: Wrong Starting Point
Wrong Way
Rule: Start at 5, add 3
Pattern: 3, 6, 9, 12...
Right Way
Rule: Start at 5, add 3
Pattern: 5, 8, 11, 14...
Practice: Spot the Mistake
Question 1
Pattern: 1, 4, 7, 10, 13. Student says "The rule is multiply by 3." Is this correct?
Click to see answer
Incorrect! 1 × 3 = 3, not 4. The rule is ADD 3 each time.
Question 2
Pattern: 2, 4, 8, 16. The next number is 24. Is this correct?
Click to see answer
Incorrect! The rule is multiply by 2, not add 8. Next number is 16 × 2 = 32.
Question 3
Pattern: 50, 45, 40, 35. The rule is subtract 5. Is this correct?
Click to see answer
Correct! 50-5=45, 45-5=40, 40-5=35. The rule works for all pairs.
Question 4
A graph shows sales each month. The y-axis goes 0, 100, 200, 300. A point at the 2nd line = 2 sales. Is this correct?
Click to see answer
Incorrect! Each line = 100. The 2nd line = 200 sales, not 2.
Question 5
Rule: Start at 10, add 5. First three numbers are 10, 15, 20. Is this correct?
Click to see answer
Correct! 10+5=15, 15+5=20. The pattern follows the rule.
Question 6
Pattern: 5, 10, 15, 20, 25. Student says "multiply by 5." Is this correct?
Click to see answer
Incorrect! 5 × 5 = 25, not 10. The rule is ADD 5 each time.
Question 7
Two patterns: A: add 4 starting at 0. B: add 4 starting at 2. Will they ever have the same number?
Click to see answer
No! A: 0, 4, 8, 12... B: 2, 6, 10, 14... They stay 2 apart.
Question 8
Pattern: 1, 2, 4, 7, 11. The rule is "add 1 more each time." Is this correct?
Click to see answer
Correct! +1, +2, +3, +4... The amount added increases by 1 each time.
Question 9
Pattern: 64, 32, 16, 8. The rule is divide by 2. Is this correct?
Click to see answer
Correct! 64÷2=32, 32÷2=16, 16÷2=8. The rule works!
Question 10
If a pattern rule is "add 6" and the 1st term is 3, the 5th term is 24. Is this correct?
Click to see answer
Incorrect! 1st=3, 2nd=9, 3rd=15, 4th=21, 5th=27, not 24.
Key Takeaways
Check All Pairs
Verify rule works for entire pattern
Add vs Multiply
Know the difference!
Read Scales
Check what each line represents
Starting Point
Note where the pattern begins