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More Pebbles

Age 7 to 11
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Peter from Durham Johnston School wrote:

1) The rule is the difference between the last two numbers in the sequence +1 added onto the previous number = the next number in the sequence.

X = the number you are trying to find, Y and Z = the past two numbers.
Z is the previous number that is before the number you are trying to find.
A = The difference between Z and Y
The difference between Z and Y + 1 = A . 
A + 1 + Z = X
To put this into a real situation:
Sequence: 4, 6 , 9 , X
9 - 6 = 3
9 + 3 + 1 = X = 13

This then continues using the same rule. Below is a graph to show the relationship between the volume and amount of pebbles.

2)   The rule is the difference between the previous two numbers in the sequence + 2 + the previous number = the next number in the sequence.
X = The number you are trying to find.
Y and Z = the previous two numbers in the sequence.
The difference between Z and Y = A
A + 2 + Z = X

3) It is always going to be 0.

4) The rule is the same as Q 2.

 

Zach sent in a very thorough explanation.  You can view it in full here: More Pebbles - Zach T.pdf and it starts off like this:


Thank you for these solutions to what was really a tough nut to crack. Well done!
 

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The NRICH Project aims to enrich the mathematical experiences of all learners. To support this aim, members of the NRICH team work in a wide range of capacities, including providing professional development for teachers wishing to embed rich mathematical tasks into everyday classroom practice.

NRICH is part of the family of activities in the Millennium Mathematics Project.

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