# Number patterns - finding the pattern

The number pattern is

$$1,3,6,10,15,\dots$$

Find formula for this pattern. And thus find the 50th pattern.

I have problems in trying to come out with these formulas, is there a way to see patterns? Let's say if the pattern is changed, is the method still the same? I need advice on how to solve the above pattern as well as what is the method!

• A standard step, which works on this one, is to look at the difference equation (difference between successive terms). – lulu Sep 13 '16 at 17:06

In these types of "puzzles" there are always several (in fact, infinitely many!) possible answers, but a simple one would be to notice that the difference between each successive term increases with one for each term, i.e.

$$a_{n+1}=a_n+(n+1), \quad \text{with }a_1=1.$$

This can be solved to give $$a_n=\frac{n(n+1)}{2},$$

which is the sum of the natural numbers up until and including $n$ (as Jan also noticed).

These is no method in general, though there are a few things one should try first: Looking at the difference for the first few terms is one of them. Another would be to look for a pattern in all even terms (or odd terms).

$$\sum_{m=1}^{n}m=\frac{n(n+1)}{2}$$

So, we get:

$$1,3,6,10,15,21,28,36,45,55,66,78,91,105,120,136,153,171,190,210,\dots$$

• That's the formula, but I think OP wants more general hints about how to try to find such a formula. – David K Sep 13 '16 at 20:00

I suggest you look up 'the method of finite differences' for general tips on solving these sorts of sequences.