Patterns are everywhere. When our children are little we give them blocks named pattern blocks even and help them create patterns. In sewing we use a pattern to guide us in the process of making a beautiful piece of clothing. Following a pattern involves a very specific skill, one that takes practice. Discovering a pattern and defining it are the next steps in the process. When we see the truths revealed behind the pattern by using it to predict the future something inside of us should feel connected with God. We are discovering Him and seeing His character and glory in the patterns before us. Try this.
- First, can you see why the sum of the angles in a triangle is 180 degrees? If not, then for now, just take my word for it.
- Second, using the fact that the sum of the angles in a triangle = 180, can you find the sum of the angles in a trapezoid? pentagon? hexagon? octagon? decagon?
- Third, can you see the pattern that is created between the number of sides of a polygon and the sum of the angles?
- Fourth, can you describe this pattern in a way that is true for all polygons?
This is how mathematical properties are created. Some brave soul jumped down the rabbit hole of patterns and emerged victorious with a bit of truth!