In this activity, we will be working out the next two numbers in a sequence.

 

Always look at the gaps between the numbers in a sequence.

 

Example

Write the next two numbers in the following sequence:

 

95,   87,   79,   71,   A,   B

 

Answer

Work out the difference between the numbers in the sequence and see if you can find a pattern.

 

Here we have:

95 - 87 = 8

87 - 79 = 8

79 - 71 = 8

 

The numbers go down in 8s.

 

So the next two numbers are

A = 71 - 8 = 63

B = 63 - 8 = 55

 

The sequence reads.

95,   87,   79,   71,   63,   55

 

Be very careful with these descending sequences and remember we will need to subtract to find the missing numbers in the sequence.

 

Are you ready to begin?