Mastering Number Series/Patterns for the EDPT

The Number Series/Patterns section is a pure test of your logical reasoning. It's not about complex math; it's about your ability to identify patterns quickly and accurately. This skill is crucial for roles in programming and data processing, where recognizing sequences and logical flow is a daily task. This lesson will break down the common patterns you'll encounter and give you a solid strategy for test day.

Finding the Hidden Rule

Every number series question has a hidden rule or pattern that determines the order of the numbers. Your one and only job is to find that rule. The best way to start is by looking at the relationship between the numbers.

Ask yourself:

  • Do the numbers go up or down by a consistent amount?

  • Are they being multiplied or divided by something?

  • Is there more than one pattern happening at the same time?

Common Patterns to Look For

Most questions on the EDPT will use one of a handful of common pattern types. If you can learn to spot these, you'll be ahead of the game.

  • Simple Arithmetic Series: The simplest pattern. Each number is found by adding or subtracting the same value.

    • Example: 4, 9, 14, 19, 24, ?

    • The Rule: Add 5 to each number. The next number is 29.

  • Simple Geometric Series: Each number is found by multiplying or dividing by the same value.

    • Example: 2, 6, 18, 54, ?

    • The Rule: Multiply each number by 3. The next number is 162.

  • Alternating Series: This is a very common and tricky pattern on the EDPT. The sequence is actually two or more independent patterns woven together.

    • Example: 10, 30, 12, 32, 14, ?

    • The Rule: There are two patterns. The first starts at 10 and adds 2 (10, 12, 14). The second starts at 30 and adds 2 (30, 32). The next number comes from the second pattern, so it is 34.

  • Changing Differences: The difference between the numbers isn't constant, but the differences themselves form a simple pattern.

    • Example: 1, 2, 4, 7, 11, ?

    • The Rule: The difference between the numbers increases by 1 each time (+1, +2, +3, +4). The next difference will be +5. The next number is 16.

  • Perfect Squares/Cubes: The numbers in the series are squares (1, 4, 9, 16...) or cubes (1, 8, 27, 64...).

    • Example: 1, 8, 27, 64, ?

    • The Rule: These are perfect cubes (1³, 2³, 3³, 4³). The next number is 5³, which is 125.

Strategies for Test Day

  • Write It Down: Don't try to solve these in your head. Use your scratch paper to write down the differences between the numbers. This will make most patterns obvious.

  • Check for Alternating Patterns First: If the numbers go up, then down, then up again, it's almost certainly an alternating series. Separate the two patterns immediately.

  • Don't Get Stuck: The EDPT is timed. If you can't spot the pattern in 30-45 seconds, make your best educated guess and move on. You can always come back if you have time.

  • Practice, Practice, Practice: The best way to get faster is to practice. The more patterns you see, the quicker you will be at recognizing them on the actual test.