Name the rule
Say the operation and the fixed amount together.
Pattern Machine
Set a visible arithmetic rule and generate outputs for neighboring inputs.
Grades 2–5 · Math
Your goal
Set the machine to add 3, then feed in 4. Read the output and the neighboring input pattern.
Reduced motion is on. The controls still update the scene.
0 + 1 = 1. When input rises by one, the output rises by 1. The same rule is applied to every row below.
Outputs are calculated immediately, including negative subtraction results. The five neighboring inputs help show a numerical pattern; this machine does not hide an answer.
Related resources
Related labs
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Learn with Pattern Machine
Pattern Machine gives elementary learners a visible rule to apply to numbers. Choose addition, subtraction, or multiplication, set the rule amount, and feed a number into the machine. The output appears immediately, and a table applies the same rule to five neighboring inputs. Nine goals provide different rules to build while leaving every calculation visible for exploration. Children can compare consecutive outputs, notice constant changes, and explain how multiplication changes the growth of a pattern. Subtraction can produce negative outputs, extending discussion beyond whole number results.
What to look for
Compare neighbors
Inspect how much the output changes when the input rises by one.
Keep the rule fixed
Change inputs while keeping the same rule to generate a pattern.
For teachers and curious learners
Explain how an input output rule creates a numerical pattern. Ask students to predict what will happen, change one setting, and explain what they observe. Learn gives a starting point. Practice and Challenge offer new goals with the same scene.
Exact integer operations accept inputs from 0 to 20 and rule amounts from 1 to 10. Subtraction may produce negative outputs. A deterministic table of five input-output pairs shows neighboring inputs without animation.