Shape Patterns
Pattern Completion: Shape Patterns
Shape Patterns
Pattern Completion — Shape Patterns
NCERT anchor
Joyful Mathematics 2 — Shapes Around Us. Spotting a repeating shape pattern uses the same shape-naming skill built in that chapter.
What you will learn
- A pattern is a set of shapes that repeat in the same order.
- To find what comes next, find the repeating group first.
- Once you know the group, you can say the next shape without guessing.
Key concepts
Verbal: Look at the shapes one by one. Find the smallest group that repeats. The next shape continues that same group.
Symbolic: Circle-Square-Circle-Square-... repeats as AB AB AB. Circle-Circle-Square repeats as AAB AAB.
Level 1 — Getting started
| Example | Answer | Why |
|---|---|---|
| circle, square, circle, square, circle, ? | square | Pattern is AB AB, next is B |
| triangle, triangle, circle, triangle, triangle, circle, ? | triangle | Pattern is AAB AAB, next starts a new group |
| square, circle, triangle, square, circle, triangle, ? | square | Pattern is ABC ABC, next restarts with A |
Level 1 — Practice idea
Clap the pattern out loud: circle-square-circle-square — clapping helps you hear the repeat.
Level 2 — Going further
Some patterns grow in size: 1 triangle, 2 triangles, 3 triangles, ? — count how many shapes are added each time.
Indian real life
Rangoli designs at home often repeat the same shapes in a row — spotting the repeat helps you draw the next part.
Worked example
What comes next: circle, triangle, circle, triangle, circle, ?
Step 1 — List the shapes in order: circle, triangle, circle, triangle, circle
Step 2 — Find the repeating group: circle-triangle (AB)
Step 3 — The last shape shown is circle (A), so the next one continues the group
Answer: triangle
Common mistakes
| Mistake | Why | Fix |
|---|---|---|
| Guessing without checking the group | Easy to pick a random shape | Always find the repeating group first |
| Counting colour instead of shape | Colour can distract | Focus on the shape name, not colour |
| Stopping the group too early | Group may be 3 shapes, not 2 | Check if the pattern repeats after 2 or after 3 |
Quick check
- What comes next: square, square, circle, square, square, circle, ?
- What comes next: triangle, circle, triangle, circle, ?
- Draw a 3-shape repeating pattern and ask a friend what comes next.
Stretch: Make a growing pattern: 1 circle, 2 circles, 3 circles — how many circles come next?
Revision tip: Underline the repeating group with a pencil before answering — it stops silly mistakes.
Open the Practice tab for graded questions on Pattern Completion — Shape Patterns.
Key Takeaways (TL;DR)
- NCERT anchor
- What you will learn
- Key concepts
- Worked example
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