What is a Pattern with Decreasing Steps?

S1-SA5-0243

Grade Level:

Class 4

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

Definition

What is it?

A pattern with decreasing steps is a sequence of numbers or objects where each next item is smaller than the one before it by a fixed amount or rule. It means the numbers are getting smaller in a predictable way.

Simple Example

Quick Example

Imagine you have 10 ladoos. If you eat 2 ladoos every day, the number of ladoos you have decreases. Day 1: 10, Day 2: 8, Day 3: 6, Day 4: 4, Day 5: 2. This is a pattern with decreasing steps, where each step decreases by 2.

Worked Example

Step-by-Step

Problem: Find the next two numbers in the pattern: 25, 20, 15, 10, ___, ___

Step 1: Look at the first two numbers: 25 and 20. How much did 25 decrease to become 20? 25 - 20 = 5.
---Step 2: Check the next pair: 20 and 15. How much did 20 decrease to become 15? 20 - 15 = 5.
---Step 3: Check the next pair: 15 and 10. How much did 15 decrease to become 10? 15 - 10 = 5.
---Step 4: The pattern is decreasing by 5 each time. So, to find the next number, subtract 5 from 10. 10 - 5 = 5.
---Step 5: To find the number after that, subtract 5 from 5. 5 - 5 = 0.

Answer: The next two numbers in the pattern are 5 and 0.

Why It Matters

Understanding decreasing patterns helps you predict what will happen next, which is super useful in many fields. Scientists use it to track decaying elements, economists predict stock market changes, and even game developers use it for scoring systems. It's a foundational skill for problem-solving in data science and AI.

Common Mistakes

MISTAKE: Assuming the pattern is always subtracting the same number, even if it's a different rule. | CORRECTION: Always check at least two or three steps to confirm the rule (e.g., subtracting, dividing, or a more complex rule).

MISTAKE: Confusing decreasing patterns with increasing patterns. | CORRECTION: If the numbers are getting smaller, it's a decreasing pattern. If they are getting bigger, it's an increasing pattern.

MISTAKE: Making calculation errors when subtracting large numbers or negative numbers. | CORRECTION: Use careful subtraction or count backwards on a number line to ensure accuracy.

Practice Questions

Try It Yourself

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

QUESTION: Complete the pattern: 100, 90, 80, ___, 60, ___ | ANSWER: 70, 50

QUESTION: A mobile phone battery starts at 80% charge. If it loses 10% charge every hour, what will be its charge after 3 hours? | ANSWER: 50%

MCQ

Quick Quiz

Which of these is a pattern with decreasing steps?

2, 4, 6, 8

1, 10, 100, 1000

50, 45, 40, 35

3, 3, 3, 3

The Correct Answer Is:

Option C (50, 45, 40, 35) shows numbers getting smaller by 5 each time. Options A and B are increasing patterns, and Option D is a constant pattern.

Real World Connection

In the Real World

Think about your mobile data pack! If you start with 2 GB of data and use 500 MB every day, the amount of data left is a decreasing pattern. Apps like 'MyJio' or 'Airtel Thanks' show you this decreasing data balance, helping you plan your usage.

Key Vocabulary

Key Terms

PATTERN: A repeating arrangement or sequence | DECREASING: Getting smaller or less | SEQUENCE: A set of numbers or objects in a specific order | RULE: The instruction that tells you how the pattern changes

What's Next

What to Learn Next

Great job understanding decreasing patterns! Now you're ready to explore 'Increasing Patterns' and 'Repeating Patterns'. These will help you see how different types of patterns work and build your problem-solving skills even further.