Maths · 15 minutes · 6–10 years

The sock pattern studio

Find the smallest group that repeats in a row of socks.

All you need

6–10 clean socks in two colours or sizes.

Grown-up, read this first

Use a clear floor; do not walk over the socks.

Adapt to your child’s needs and stop if uncomfortable.

Let’s give it a go

Step ticks are temporary for this tab session. You can read every step without ticking.

A question to take with you

How can you prove your pattern repeats?

Talk it through or draw on paper. There is no answer box or personal information to submit.

Make it gentler

Start with four socks.

Take it further

Predict the tenth sock in an AAB pattern.