C1.2 Create and translate repeating, growing, and shrinking patterns using various representations, including tables of values, graphs, and, for linear growing patterns, algebraic expressions and equations.

Activity 1: Brick Wall (Representations of a Shrinking Pattern)


Present students with the following image of a brick wall:

Have students represent the pattern using a strategy of their choice.

Possible Representations

1. Representation using words (description)

The brick wall consists of the following:

  • The first row of the wall is composed of 6 bricks.
  • The second row of the wall is composed of 5 bricks.
  • The third row of the wall is composed of 4 bricks.
  • To extend the brick wall based on this pattern, I assume that the fourth row will be 3 bricks, the fifth row will be 2 bricks, and the sixth row will be 1 brick.

2. Table of values

Term Number
(Row Number)
1 2 3 4
Number of Bricks 6 5 4 3

Activity 2: Representations of a Pattern Using a Table of Values


Present students with the following table of values:

Term Number (n) 1 2 3 4
Perimeter of the triangle (P) 3 6 9 12

Allow students to represent the pattern using the strategy of their choice.

Possible Representations

1. Graphical Representation

2. Illustration

3. Algebraic Expression

P = × 3 or P = 3n

Source: translated and adapted from En avant, les maths!, 6e année, ML, Algèbre, Savoir reconnaître une suite croissante
linéaire et la représenter par une expression algébrique et une équation
, p. 7.