The idea, step by step
Find what repeats
A repeating pattern uses the same little group again and again. In circle, square, circle, square, the group circle, square repeats.
That smallest repeating group is called the unit. Point to one whole unit, then the next whole unit.
Check every item
A unit may have two, three or more items. Circle, circle, triangle repeated uses a three-item unit.
Do not choose a unit after looking at only the first item. Use all the shown repeats to check your idea.
A common trap
Choosing one item just because it appears often.
Instead: The unit must include the whole repeating group in the correct order.
See the thinking
A two-item unit
Find the repeating unit in the picture.
- Read the shapes: circle, square, circle, square, circle, square.
- Separate them into matching groups.
- Each group is circle, square.
A unit with a repeated shape
What is the smallest repeating unit: clap, clap, stamp, clap, clap, stamp?
- The first group is clap, clap, stamp.
- The same three actions come next.
- A shorter group does not match all the actions.
Check your understanding
Find the unit: triangle, circle, triangle, circle, triangle, circle.
Show answer
Triangle, circle.
Each pair has the same two shapes in the same order.
Your turn
6 questions · Work at your own pace.
Read the questions online
- Find the smallest unit: square, circle, square, circle, square, circle.
- Find the unit: clap, stamp, stamp, clap, stamp, stamp.
- Find the smallest unit in the picture.
- Is triangle the whole unit in triangle, square, triangle, square? Explain.
- How many complete units of circle, square are shown: circle, square, circle, square?
- Draw two repeats of the unit square, square, circle.
Read the worked solutions
- Find the smallest unit: square, circle, square, circle, square, circle.
Separate the pattern into matching pairs.
Square, circle. - Find the unit: clap, stamp, stamp, clap, stamp, stamp.
The same three actions repeat.
Clap, stamp, stamp. - Find the smallest unit in the picture.
Each group contains two circles followed by a triangle.
Circle, circle, triangle. - Is triangle the whole unit in triangle, square, triangle, square? Explain.
Repeating only triangle would leave out every square.
No. The unit is triangle, square. - How many complete units of circle, square are shown: circle, square, circle, square?
There are two matching pairs.
2 units. - Draw two repeats of the unit square, square, circle.
Use all three items before starting the unit again.
Square, square, circle, square, square, circle.
Curriculum reference & lesson scope
Australian Curriculum v9 and SA Curriculum Mathematics
Year 1 repeating patterns, their units and missing elements.
Official curriculum source ↗