The task

The teacher asked the students to:

• copy the pattern shown and draw the next element
• describe and use rules to predict subsequent elements of the pattern.

Note: Sam was asked to find out how many blue counters would be used in the pattern element that uses 53 red counters.

Sam's work shows that he is able to:

• use algebraic notation to state rules for any element of a pattern
• use algebraic conventions correctly:
  n x n = n²
• use algebraic rules to solve problems.