11+ Maths Sequences and Patterns Practice
21 October 2026
Spotting patterns in sequences
Understanding number sequences is a key skill for 11+ maths. These questions often ask children to find the next term or the rule behind a pattern. Focusing on the differences between terms can help reveal the sequence quickly.
Common types of sequences
The most frequent patterns are arithmetic (adding or subtracting the same number each time), geometric (multiplying or dividing), and special sequences like square or triangular numbers. Encourage your child to look for these first.
Key insight: Always check the rule
Once your child thinks they have found the rule, check it works for every term in the sequence, not just the first two. This helps avoid common mistakes and builds confidence.
Worked example
Given the sequence: 5, 8, 11, 14,..
First, look at the difference between each pair of numbers. 8 - 5 = 3, 11 - 8 = 3, 14 - 11 = 3.
Each term increases by 3. This is an arithmetic sequence.
To find the next term, add 3 to the last number: 14 + 3 = 17.
The correct answer is 17.
Why practice matters
Regular practice with sequences and patterns helps children recognise rules more quickly and solve problems accurately. This skill is essential for 11+ maths success and builds strong reasoning for future topics.
