Patterns and missing numbers
Year 6 · Maths
Explore numbers, spot patterns and explain how you worked it out.
Choose a game
Take your time, try a game and collect stars.
Simple formulae: find n
Solve missing number problems such as 3n = 21 and match each to its answer.
Play Simple formulae: find nLinear number sequences
Spot the rule in sequences that count on or back, including negative numbers and decimals.
Play Linear number sequences
Learning about patterns and missing numbers
These Year 6 Maths games practise Simple formulae: find n, Linear number sequences. Choose a game above for a short activity, or explore the examples below before you play. The full guide for each game explains its controls, gives more examples and includes a free printable for practice away from the screen.
Talk it through
Use counters, a drawing or a number line before moving to a mental method. Ask your child to explain a choice, then change one number and try the method again.
Ask: “How could you show the same answer another way?” Give your child time to explain. Return to an example after playing and ask whether they would approach it differently.
Simple formulae: find n
Year 6 pupils use simple formulae and express missing number problems algebraically. A letter such as n stands for an unknown number, so 'a number add 9 makes 20' becomes n + 9 = 20.
Try an example: Solve n − 4 = 9.
Add 4 to both sides: 9 + 4 = 13.
Show the answer
n = 13
What to look out for
Reading 3n as 30-something, such as 3n = 35 meaning n = 5. 3n means 3 × n, not a two-digit number.
Linear number sequences
Year 6 pupils generate and describe linear number sequences. In a linear sequence the same amount is added or subtracted each time, such as 2, 5, 8, 11, where the rule is add 3.
Try an example: What is the rule for 1, 5, 9, 13, …?
5 − 1 = 4, 9 − 5 = 4.
Show the answer
add 4
What to look out for
Thinking a sequence that goes below zero has stopped working. Use a number line: from 1, subtract 3 to land on −2.
Practise away from the screen
- Play 'I'm thinking of a number': 'I double it and add 1 and get 15. What is my number?'
- Count in 25s like coins in a money box: 25, 50, 75, 100.
Curriculum connections
These games support selected practice connected to Algebra in the National Curriculum in England. Use your school’s sequence to decide when to introduce and revisit each skill. A game covers selected examples, rather than assessing every requirement.
Questions families ask
Where should we start with patterns and missing numbers?
Start with Simple formulae: find n. Look at the worked example together, then try a round. If the task feels unfamiliar, use the full game guide or its free printable before trying again.
Does this cover everything taught at this level?
No. This page brings together the games currently available for this topic. It supports selected skills and does not replace the full programme of study or practical teaching.