By the end of this chapter you'll be able to…

  • 1Find missing terms in number sequences with various rules
  • 2Identify patterns in multiplication tables
  • 3Solve 3×3 magic squares (each row, column, diagonal sums to the same number)
  • 4Create and extend growing geometric patterns
💡
Why this chapter matters
Class 4 Patterns introduces magic squares, multiplication table patterns, and more complex number sequences. Children learn to find missing numbers in patterns, identify rules (add, subtract, multiply), and solve magic squares where rows, columns, and diagonals all sum to the same magic constant.

Before you start — revise these

A 5-minute refresher here will save you 30 minutes of confusion below.

Patterns — Class 4 Mathematics (Samacheer Kalvi)

TN State Board (Samacheer Kalvi) Class 4 Mathematics, Chapter 3. Number and shape patterns.


1. About this chapter

This chapter covers Patterns as part of the Class 4 Samacheer Kalvi Mathematics curriculum. It deals with number and shape patterns and builds conceptual understanding essential for the TN School Term Exam.

By the end of this chapter, students will be able to:

  • Identify and extend number patterns
  • Solve simple pattern-based puzzles

2. Key concepts

  • Concept 1: Identify and extend number patterns.
  • Concept 2: Solve simple pattern-based puzzles.

3. Important terms and formulas

Term / FormulaDescription
Identify and extend number…Identify and extend number patterns
Solve simple pattern-based puzzles…Solve simple pattern-based puzzles

4. Worked examples

Example 1. Applying a key concept from this chapter.

Solution: Identify the relevant principle → apply the formula or rule → state the answer with correct units.

Example 2. A typical exam-style question on patterns.

Solution: Break the problem into steps, use the appropriate formula and verify the answer.

5. Common mistakes

  • Mistake: Skipping units or forgetting to state them. Fix: Always write units alongside every quantity and answer.
  • Mistake: Confusing similar terms or concepts in this chapter. Fix: Make a comparison table of the terms during revision.

6. Practice (exam-style)

  1. Define the main term or principle covered in Chapter 3.
  2. Give two real-life examples related to patterns.
  3. Solve a short numerical or descriptive question from this chapter.
  4. State one important formula and explain each symbol.

7. Answer key (hints)

  1. Refer to section 2 (Key concepts) above for the definition.
  2. Examples should be drawn from daily experience and local context.
  3. Apply the formula from section 3, show all steps clearly.
  4. Formula with units — refer to the textbook glossary for symbol meanings.

8. Quick revision

  • Class 4 Mathematics — Chapter 3: Patterns.
  • Core idea: Number and shape patterns.
  • Key outcomes: Identify and extend number patterns; Solve simple pattern-based puzzles.
  • Always revise diagrams / tables from the Samacheer Kalvi textbook before the exam.

Key formulas & results

Everything you need to memorise, in one card. Screenshot this for revision.

Magic square
A 3×3 magic square using numbers 1-9 has magic sum = 15 (always). The centre is always 5. Even numbers in corners.
Magic squares have fascinated mathematicians for thousands of years. The oldest known magic square is from ancient China (~2200 BCE).
Verified by the tuition.in editorial team
Last reviewed on 3 June 2026. Written and reviewed by subject-matter experts — read about our process.
Editorial process →
Header Logo