Mathematics, Numbers and Numerations, Operations (+, -, x, /, etc.)

Grade 5- 8

Objective

Students learn about interesting and unusual number patterns.

Directions

Palindromes are numbers (or words such as dad and mom) which have the same digits whether read forward or backwards. Below are some examples of palindromes.
121
333
1331
2234322
76567
Palindromes often yield unusual patterns when they are added or multiplied.
121 x 11 =1331
151 x 11 = 1661
1221 x 11 =13431
Palindrome Puzzle
Start with any number.
Example: 1279
Reverse the digits and add the reversed digits to the original number.
1279 + 9721 = 11000
Reverse the digits and add again.
11000 + 00011 = 11011
Continue the process until another palindrome is formed.
Multiplication Patterns
Don't use a calculator or pencil and paper to solve these problems. Try to find the pattern from the answers shown.
40 x 40 = 1600
41 x 39 = 1599
42 x 38 = 1596
43 x 37 = 1591
44 x 36 = 1584
45 x 35 = 1575
Each answer can be computed by following these steps:

1. Multiply 40 x 40.
2. Subtract the square of the counting number or digit after the 40.

Resources

• Oddball Pattnerns activity sheets