The pattern that fooled us

Two patterns look the same at first. What comes next?

Make your own investigation

Create two rules with the same beginning. Give a partner the beginning and ask what evidence would distinguish them.

Repeat each symbol string and compare one beat at a time.

Case cards

Cut these cards apart. Use the original example first, then let a partner supply a changed case. Keep sealed/final cards with the teacher until the learner commits a rule.

Case 1

Repeating rule A: AB

Repeating rule B: ABABAC

My prediction and reason:

Case 2

Repeating rule A: AAB

Repeating rule B: AABAAB

My prediction and reason:

Case 3

Repeating rule A: ABC

Repeating rule B: ABCD

My prediction and reason:

What this cannot establish

Matching a finite beginning does not prove two patterns will always match.