Algebra connect 4 counters project for exploring and anlysising number patterns.

Patterns

Create the following patterns using connect four counters. Decide how to construct SHAPE 3. Draw shapes 4 and 5 on paper.

Pattern 1

Pattern 2

Pattern 3

Pattern 4

Choose one pattern. Decide how the pattern continues – there may be more than one approach. Draw the first five shapes on paper with red and yellow pencils (or any other two colours). Predict how many total, how many red, how many yellow counters will be in your 10th shape! Generalise to the $n^{\text{th}}$ shape.