The Next Number in the Pattern: 312211

  • Thread starter Tom McCurdy
  • Start date
In summary, the pattern in this sequence involves pairing numbers and using the number of times each number appears in the previous line to generate the next line. The first number in each pair determines whether to add or not to add the second number. The pattern can be seen throughout the sequence and can be used to predict the next line.
  • #1
Tom McCurdy
1,020
1
What row of numbers comes next?

1
11
21
1211
111221
312211
13112221
 
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  • #2
Here's what I see. Except for the first number, all successive numbers have an even number of digits. And I seem to have found some kind of pattern that involves pairing the numbers :

Line 1 = 1
Line 2 = 11 and 1*1 = Line 1
Line 3 = 21 and 2*1 = 1+1, where 1 and 1 are from Line 2
Line 4 = 1222 and (1*2),(1*1) = 2,1 which are from Line 3
Line 5 = 111221 and (1*1), (1*2), (2*1) = 1,2 1+1, and these numbers are in Line 4...
Line 6 = 312211 and (3*1), (2*2), (1*1) = 1+1+1, 2+2, 1; numbers in Line 5
Line 7 = 13112221 and (1*3), (1*1), (2*2), (2*1) = 3,1,2+2,1+1,; numbers in Line 6
This is not a heck of a pattern, but there seem to be some hidden rules for when to add and when not to. I'm not sure if this is going to work forwards...I've been working backwards so far...

So it looks like you add, if the first term in the pair in not 1. ie. (3,1) becomes 1+1+1 but (1,3) becomes 3. This seems to be the way to generate repetitions. Okay, I think I've got it !

3,1 means there are three 1's while 1,3 means there is one 3 !

This seems to work throughout - for all the lines. So, for instance, in line 4 : 1211 means there's one 2 and one 1 in the previous line.

Then Line 8 should be : one 1, one 3, two 1's, three 2's and one 1 OR 1113213211

NICE !
 
  • #3
1113213211
is correct

good work

I will find another riddle or make one up to post in a day or so.
 
Last edited:

1. What is the pattern in the sequence 312211?

The pattern in the sequence is that each number is the count of consecutive digits in the previous number. So, 312211 translates to one 3, two 1s, one 2, and two 1s, which gives the next number in the sequence 13112221.

2. How can I find the next number in the pattern?

To find the next number in the pattern, you can follow the same process as in the previous question. Count the consecutive digits in the previous number and write them in the same order to get the next number in the sequence.

3. Is there a formula for generating the numbers in this pattern?

Yes, there is a formula for generating the numbers in this pattern. It is known as "Look-and-Say Sequence" and it follows the pattern described in the first question. The formula is: count consecutive digits in the previous number and write them in the same order to get the next number in the sequence.

4. Are there any real-world applications of this pattern?

While this pattern may seem simple and repetitive, it actually has several real-world applications. It can be used in data compression, speech recognition, and even in genetics to study DNA sequences.

5. Can this pattern go on infinitely?

Technically, yes, this pattern can go on infinitely. However, as the numbers get larger, it becomes more difficult to calculate and write out the next number. At some point, the numbers will exceed the storage capacity of a computer, making it impossible to continue the pattern.

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