This paper outlines an approach to definitively find the general term in a number pattern, of either a linear or quadratic form, by using the general equation of a linear or quadratic function. This approach is governed by four principles: (1) identifying the position of the term (input) and the term itself (output); (2) recognising that each corresponding input and output form points on a straight line or quadratic curve; (3) identifying the nature of the number pattern; and (4) using the general equation of a straight line (y = mx + c) or quadratic curve (y = ax[superscript 2] + bx + c) to represent the general term. Implications for teaching and learning are also discussed.