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Number Patterns

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Can you figure out what comes next? Test your pattern recognition with these number sequences!

20 quick questionsNo sign-upFree to playTap an answer below to begin ↓

What comes next in the pattern? 2, 4, 6, 8, ___

About Number Patterns

Can you figure out what comes next? Test your pattern recognition with these number sequences! Number Patterns packs 20 multiple-choice questions aimed at mixed difficulty into a relaxed session of roughly 9 minutes — no sign-up, no timer pressure. An explanation appears after every answer, and finishing once a day keeps your streak alive.

A few sample questions

  1. 1. What comes next in the pattern? 2, 4, 6, 8, ___

    Answer: 10

    Each number increases by 2. So after 8, the next number is 10.

  2. 2. What comes next? 3, 6, 12, 24, ___

    Answer: 48

    Each number is doubled (multiplied by 2). So 24 × 2 = 48.

  3. 3. What comes next? 1, 1, 2, 3, 5, 8, ___

    Answer: 13

    This is the Fibonacci sequence — each number is the sum of the two before it. 5 + 8 = 13.

  4. 4. What comes next? 100, 90, 80, 70, ___

    Answer: 60

    Each number decreases by 10. So after 70, the next number is 60.

  5. 5. What comes next? 1, 4, 9, 16, 25, ___

    Answer: 36

    These are perfect squares: 1², 2², 3², 4², 5². The next is 6² = 36.

Things you'll learn along the way

  • The differences increase by 2 each time: +3, +5, +7, +9, +11. So 26 + 11 = 37.
  • Each number is double the previous number plus 1. So 31 × 2 + 1 = 63. (Also: 2ⁿ − 1 pattern.)
  • Each number is doubled. So 80 × 2 = 160.

Frequently asked questions

Is Number Patterns free to play?

Yes. The entire SeniorBrainGames catalog — including Number Patterns — is free, with no sign-up required, no time limits, and no ads on top of the game. It also works offline once the page has loaded once.

How long does Number Patterns take?

Most players finish Number Patterns in about 9 minutes. You can pause between questions, replay it as often as you like, and there is no penalty for taking your time — answers are explained after you submit them.

What's a good follow-up after Number Patterns?

If you enjoyed this memory games quiz, try the Daily Challenge — five rotating questions, refreshed every 24 hours, that count toward your streak. You can also use the Surprise Me button on the homepage to land on a different game type for variety.

Can I print Number Patterns?

Yes — use the Print button at the top of the page for a clean question sheet, or "Print with Answers" to make an answer key. Printed sheets work well for group play at home, in a classroom, or at a senior center.

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