What is a Decreasing Pattern?

S1-SA5-0128

Grade Level:

Class 4

All STEM domains, Finance, Economics, Data Science, AI, Physics, Chemistry

Definition

What is it?

A decreasing pattern is a sequence of numbers or objects where each new term is smaller than the previous one. It shows a regular reduction or subtraction as you move from one step to the next.

Simple Example

Quick Example

Imagine you have 10 ladoos in a box. You eat 1 ladoo every hour. The number of ladoos you have will be 10, 9, 8, 7... This is a decreasing pattern because the number of ladoos keeps getting smaller.

Worked Example

Step-by-Step

Let's find the next two numbers in the pattern: 25, 22, 19, 16, ? , ?
---Step 1: Look at the first two numbers: 25 and 22. To go from 25 to 22, we subtract 3 (25 - 3 = 22).
---Step 2: Check the next pair: 22 and 19. To go from 22 to 19, we subtract 3 (22 - 3 = 19).
---Step 3: Check again: 19 and 16. To go from 19 to 16, we subtract 3 (19 - 3 = 16).
---Step 4: We see a rule! The pattern is 'subtract 3' each time. So, to find the next number after 16, we subtract 3: 16 - 3 = 13.
---Step 5: To find the number after 13, we subtract 3 again: 13 - 3 = 10.
---Answer: The next two numbers in the pattern are 13 and 10.

Why It Matters

Understanding decreasing patterns helps us predict future values and analyze trends in many fields. From tracking how much money you save each month to understanding how a car's speed reduces when braking, this concept is crucial. It's used by scientists, economists, and even game developers!

Common Mistakes

MISTAKE: Thinking all patterns are increasing. | CORRECTION: Always check if the numbers are getting smaller or larger to identify the pattern type.

MISTAKE: Guessing the rule after only one step. | CORRECTION: Check the difference or ratio between at least two pairs of numbers to confirm the pattern rule.

MISTAKE: Adding instead of subtracting when numbers are decreasing. | CORRECTION: If the numbers are getting smaller, you are likely subtracting or dividing, not adding or multiplying.

Practice Questions

Try It Yourself

QUESTION: What is the next number in the pattern: 40, 35, 30, 25, ? | ANSWER: 20

QUESTION: Find the missing number: 60, 57, ?, 51, 48 | ANSWER: 54

QUESTION: A mobile phone battery starts at 100% charge. It loses 8% charge every hour. What will be its charge after 3 hours? | ANSWER: 76%

MCQ

Quick Quiz

Which of these sequences shows a decreasing pattern?

5, 10, 15, 20

1, 3, 5, 7

50, 45, 40, 35

2, 4, 8, 16

The Correct Answer Is:

Option C (50, 45, 40, 35) shows numbers getting smaller (decreasing) by 5 each time. The other options show increasing patterns.

Real World Connection

In the Real World

When you use your mobile data, the amount of data remaining decreases over time. Apps like Jio or Airtel show you a decreasing pattern of your data balance. Also, when an auto-rickshaw travels, the distance remaining to your destination follows a decreasing pattern.

Key Vocabulary

Key Terms

PATTERN: A repeated arrangement or sequence | DECREASING: Getting smaller or less in size, amount, or number | SEQUENCE: A set of numbers or objects in a particular order | RULE: The operation (like subtraction) that connects numbers in a pattern

What's Next

What to Learn Next

Great job learning about decreasing patterns! Now you can explore 'Increasing Patterns' to understand how numbers grow. After that, you can learn about 'Mixed Patterns' where rules can change, making maths even more fun!