1. The problem asks whether it is always, sometimes, or never true that two different patterns can look the same for the first few terms but differ later. 2. Let's clarify what a "pattern" means here: it usually refers to a sequence or a function defined by a rule. 3. It is possible for two different sequences or functions to have the same initial terms but then differ afterward. 4. For example, consider the sequences $a_n = n$ and $b_n = \begin{cases} n & \text{if } n \leq 3 \\ n+1 & \text{if } n > 3 \end{cases}$. 5. Both sequences have the same first three terms: $1, 2, 3$, but differ starting from the fourth term. 6. Therefore, the statement is **sometimes true**. 7. This is a common concept in sequences and series: initial terms do not guarantee the entire pattern is the same. Final answer: **Sometimes true**.