CCSS.Math.Content.4.OA.C.5
The standard
Generate a number or shape pattern that follows a given rule. Identify apparent features of the pattern that were not explicit in the rule itself.
Common Core State Standards for Mathematics · Operations and Algebraic Thinking
What this standard means
Students need to create number or shape patterns from a rule, list several terms or figures, and then notice extra features that show up. They should go beyond “add 3 each time” and say things like, “the numbers switch odd, even, odd, even,” or “each shape adds one square to each side.”
Mastery looks like a student building the pattern accurately, naming a feature not stated in the rule, and explaining why it keeps happening. Students often get stuck by only extending the pattern, misreading the starting point, or naming a feature that works for one step but not the whole pattern.
Ways to teach it
- Give students tiles and the rule “start with 2 squares, add 3 squares,” then have them build and sketch the first five figures.
- Ask students to write: “What do you notice that the rule did not tell you, and why will it keep happening?”
- Show the rule “start at 4, add 5,” and ask students to list six terms and circle one hidden feature.
- Connect to seating: “One table seats 4, each new table adds 2 seats,” then students predict seats and describe the pattern.
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Related standards
- CCSS.Math.Content.K.G.B.6
Compose simple shapes to form larger shapes.
- CCSS.Math.Content.2.G.A.1
Recognize and draw shapes having specified attributes, such as a given number of angles or a given number of equal faces. Identify triangles, quadrilaterals, pe...
- CCSS.Math.Content.5.OA.B.3
Generate two numerical patterns using two given rules. Identify apparent relationships between corresponding terms. Form ordered pairs consisting of correspondi...
- CCSS.Math.Content.4.OA.C
Generate and analyze patterns.