Skip Counting by 5s

Skip Counting by 5s

Skip counting by 5s means each number changes by 5 from the one before it. The sequence can go forward (adding 5) or backward (subtracting 5).

Method

1. Look at the direction of the sequence.
   • If the numbers are getting bigger, add 5 each time.
   • If the numbers are getting smaller, subtract 5 each time.
2. Use the previous number to find the next one.
   • Example forward pattern: 5, 10, 15, 20, ...
   • Example backward pattern: 30, 25, 20, 15, ...
3. Keep the same step all the way through the sequence.

Helpful check

Count by 5s out loud or on your fingers. You can also check that each number is exactly 5 more or 5 less than the number before it.

Example

If the sequence is 10, 15, __, 25, the missing number is 20 because 15 + 5 = 20.

If the sequence is 40, 35, __, 25, the missing number is 30 because 35 - 5 = 30.

Tip

Watch for whether the sequence starts low or high, but always use the same change of 5.