pattern

Everyday

1. A pattern is something that repeats in a rule, like red, blue, red, blue, or 2, 4, 6, 8. tree →
2. A pattern is a design of lines, shapes or colours on cloth, paper or a wall: a pattern of stars. tree →
3. A pattern is a usual way that something happens: sleep patterns, weather patterns. tree →
4. A pattern is also a shape you copy or cut around to make clothes. tree →

In the lessons

In maths: number patterns, shape patterns, and repeating rules; «find the rule», «what comes next». In science: patterns in data, weather patterns, patterns on animals (stripes, spots). In art: repeating patterns and tessellations. In everyday life: patterns on clothes; in stories, a pattern of clues.

Examples

• What is the next number in the pattern 3, 6, 9? tree →
• The pattern is red, red, blue. tree →
• Find the rule of the pattern. tree →
• The pattern adds 5 each time. tree →
• A zebra has a pattern of black and white stripes. tree →
• Her dress has a pattern of little flowers. tree →
• Scientists look for patterns in their results. tree →
• The leaves grow in a spiral pattern. tree →
• The detective saw a pattern in the robberies. tree →
• "What a beautiful pattern, what brilliant colours! tree →

Note

Find the rule (add, subtract, multiply) by comparing neighbouring terms, then use it. Trap: check the rule on more than two terms. A repeating pattern has a core that repeats (red, red, blue); a growing pattern changes by a rule. Do not confuse pattern with patent or patron.

In Jewish tradition

God shows Moses the pattern of the tabernacle and its furniture on the mountain, and Israel must make it just like that.

Interpretation. The rabbis said Moses was shown a heavenly sanctuary, as if in fire. They say it had to be copied exactly, as with the golden candlestick.

Examples

• And see that thou make them after their pattern, which is being shown thee in the mount. (Torah EXO.25.40, JPS 1917) tree →
• According to all that I show thee, the pattern of the tabernacle, and the pattern of all the furniture thereof, even so shall ye make it. (Torah EXO.25.9, JPS 1917) tree →
• And this was the work of the candlestick, beaten work of gold; unto the base thereof, and unto the flowers thereof, it was beaten work; according unto the pattern which the LORD had shown Moses, so he made the candlestick. (Torah NUM.8.4, JPS 1917) tree →
• 'All this do I give thee in writing, as the LORD hath made me wise by His hand upon me, even all the works of this pattern.' (Writings 1CH.28.19, JPS 1917) tree →
• and for the altar of incense refined gold by weight; and gold for the pattern of the chariot, even the cherubim, that spread out their wings, and covered the ark of the covenant of the LORD. (Writings 1CH.28.18, JPS 1917) tree →

Note

Find the rule (add, subtract, multiply) by comparing neighbouring terms, then use it. Trap: check the rule on more than two terms. A repeating pattern has a core that repeats (red, red, blue); a growing pattern changes by a rule. Do not confuse pattern with patent or patron.