Maths tricks · trick 11 of 25 · free

What comes next? Odd one out — Maths trick for kids

Pattern puzzles hide a rule. Look at the gaps between the numbers: is it the same jump each time, doubling, or square numbers? For “odd one out”, find the rule that three numbers follow and one does not.

The trick

Find the rule — “look at how each number changes from the one before”

  1. Find the gap between neighbours. The same jump? Add it again.
  2. Each number double the last? Double again. 1, 4, 9, 16? They are square numbers.
  3. Odd one out: test each number — which one breaks the rule?

Use it for: Olympiad and reasoning tests, aptitude puzzles, and spotting patterns in tables.

Worked example: What comes next? 3, 7, 11, 15, ? → 19

  1. Each number is 4 more than the one before.
  2. 15 + 4 = 19.

Check: 7 − 3 = 11 − 7 = 15 − 11 = 19 − 15 = 4 ✓

✏️ Practice

Work it out in your head or on paper, type the answer and press Check. Stuck? Press “Show me how”.

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🏁 Trick 11 test

20 questions. Check each answer, then go to the next one. Get 16 or more right to pass.

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🖨️ Number Pattern Puzzles Worksheet

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