Consecutive Numbers

You need a pencil and some paper to jot down your calculations

First, choose three consecutive numbers - for example:

9, 10, 11

Multiply the smallest number by the largest

9 x 11

Square the other number (multiply it by itself):

10 x 10

What do you notice?

Try this with another three consecutive numbers.

What happens? Why?

Try the whole thing again. This time using numbers which increase by 2 instead of by 1 - for example:​

6, 8, 10

Multiply the smallest number by the largest

6 x 10

Square the other number (multiply it by itself):

8 x 8

What do you notice?

Try this with another set of similar numbers.

What happens when you explore different sequences of numbers?

PARENTS

If there is a calculator handy your child could try this with much larger numbers.