Negative Numbers Reasoning 7 - Reasoning

In this mathematical reasoning activity, students are presented with a sequence of numbers that includes both positive and negative values. The task requires them to identify the underlying patterns in the sequence and use this knowledge to fill in the missing numbers. The sequence begins with the number 6, followed by a descending pattern where the next number is one less than the previous, transitioning from positive to negative numbers. The sequence is as follows: 6, -1, 0, -2, with additional numbers following this pattern but left blank for the students to deduce.

The challenge lies in spotting the relationships between the numbers and understanding how negative numbers behave in sequences. As the numbers decrease, students must recognise the order of negative numbers and how they are affected by subtraction. For instance, after -3, the next number is -4, indicating a consistent decrease by one. This pattern continues with the numbers -6 and -8, with a noticeable skip in the sequence that students need to identify and correct. By filling in the blanks, students demonstrate their grasp of number sequences and their ability to work with negative values, which is a fundamental concept in number and place value.