Pattern Recognition Examples in CS Thinking
Start with the recap, study the fully worked examples, then use the practice problems to check your understanding of Pattern Recognition.
This page combines explanation, solved examples, and follow-up practice so you can move from recognition to confident problem-solving in CS Thinking.
Concept Recap
Pattern recognition is the process of identifying similarities, trends, or regularities across data or problems in order to build general solutions. By spotting what is the same across different cases, you can create reusable strategies instead of solving each case from scratch.
Spotting what's the same across different examples so you can apply one solution to many.
Read the full concept explanation →How to Use These Examples
- Read the first worked example with the solution open so the structure is clear.
- Try the practice problems before revealing each solution.
- Use the related concepts and background knowledge badges if you feel stuck.
What to Focus On
Core idea: Patterns let you predict and generalize from specific cases.
Common stuck point: Correlation isn't causation—patterns can be coincidental and misleading without careful testing.
Sense of Study hint: When looking for patterns, first collect several specific examples or cases. Then compare them side by side and ask 'What stays the same? What changes? Is there a rule?' Finally, test your proposed pattern against new examples to verify it holds.
Worked Examples
Example 1
easySolution
- 1 Step 1: Check differences: 6−2=4, 18−6=12, 54−18=36. The differences are not constant.
- 2 Step 2: Check ratios: 6/2=3, 18/6=3, 54/18=3. Each term is multiplied by 3.
- 3 Step 3: Next number: 54 \times 3 = 162.
Answer
Example 2
mediumPractice Problems
Try these problems on your own first, then open the solution to compare your method.