Number Pair Analogies

Joyful Mathematics 2 — Fun with Numbers / Patterns Around Us. Number rules (double, add, half) in pattern activities match number-pair analogies.

• Number pairs follow a rule: add, subtract, double, or skip count.
• Find the rule from the first pair, then apply to the third number.
• Example: 2 : 4 :: 3 : 6 (rule: double)

Verbal: Find the rule in the first pair — add, subtract, double, or half — then apply to the third number.

Symbolic: 2 : 4 → ×2. So 3 : 6. 10 : 5 → ÷2. So 8 : 4.

Level 1 — Double

1:2, 2:4, 3:6 → multiply by 2.

Level 1 — Add same number

1:3, 2:4, 5:7 → add 2 each time.

Level 2 — Skip count link

2:4, 3:6, 4:8 → ×2 rule.

Level 2 — Check your answer

Apply rule backward to see if it fits pair one.

Indian real life

Connect this idea to your daily routine at home, school, or the local market in India.

2 : 6 :: 3 : ? (rule: add 4)

Step 1 — 2 + 4 = 6
Step 2 — Same rule: 3 + 4 = **7**
Answer: 7

• 1 : 2 :: 4 : ? (double)
• 5 : 10 :: 6 : ?
• 10 : 5 :: 8 : ? (half)

Stretch: 2 : 6 :: 3 : ? if the rule is "add 4." Check backward: does 2 + 4 = 6?

Revision tip: Write + or × between each pair before solving — never guess the rule from one number alone.

Open the Practice tab for graded questions on Number Pair Analogies.