Number Sequence Patterns
Number sequence questions ask you to find the next term in a pattern. The strongest approach is to test several pattern types: differences, alternating rules, interleaved sequences, and terms made from earlier terms.
The Rules Every Number Sequence Question Uses
Not every sequence uses simple addition. If one rule does not fit all terms, check whether two patterns are woven together or whether each term is built from previous terms.
➕ Rule 1: Check differences first
Look at how much is added or subtracted between neighbouring terms.
Example: 41, 37, 30, 20, 7 subtracts 4, 7, 10, 13.
🔀 Rule 2: Split odd and even positions
If one rule does not fit, check the 1st, 3rd, 5th terms separately from the 2nd, 4th, 6th terms.
Example: 5, 20, 80, 320 multiply by 4.
🧱 Rule 3: Try previous terms
Some sequences make the next term from the two terms before it.
Example: 11, 16, 27, 43, 70 continues with 43 + 70.
✅ Rule 4: Test the whole pattern
A rule must explain all the visible terms, not just the last two.
Example: Multiplying only the last number may ignore the even-position pattern.
How to Solve Number Sequence Questions
Three useful moves: test the gaps, split interleaved positions, and check whether the next term comes from previous terms.
1. Find an Increasing Difference Pattern
Question: Find the next number: 41, 37, 30, 20, 7, ___
Worked Method
Step 1: Check the differences: 41 to 37 is -4, then -7, then -10, then -13.
Step 2: The amount subtracted is increasing by 3 each time.
Step 3: The next subtraction is -16, so 7 - 16 = -9.
Tip: Differences can be negative, and the next answer can be below zero.
2. Split Two Woven Sequences
Question: Find the next number: 5, 8, 20, 10, 80, 12, 320, ___
Worked Method
Step 1: Look at odd positions: 5, 20, 80, 320. Each term is multiplied by 4.
Step 2: Look at even positions: 8, 10, 12. Each term adds 2.
Step 3: The blank is in an even position, so 12 + 2 = 14.
Tip: If the pattern jumps between small and large changes, try odd and even positions separately.
3. Do Not Force a Single Gap Rule
Question: Find the next number: 11, 16, 27, 43, 70, ___
Worked Method
Step 1: The gaps are 5, 11, 16, 27, which do not make a clean gap pattern.
Step 2: Try using previous terms: 11 + 16 = 27, then 16 + 27 = 43.
Step 3: The pattern continues: 27 + 43 = 70, so the next term is 43 + 70 = 113.
The trap: Not every sequence is solved by subtracting or adding a changing gap.
Before You Buy
Want to check the level and layout first? Download the free 3-question sample. It uses the same question style, printable format, and answer-key approach as the full pack.
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The full Sequences pack contains 90 number-pattern questions across 3 printable test sets, with answer sheets included for quick checking.
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