Maryland Math 5.AT.B.3.a

Math5th GradeAlgebraic Thinking

The Standard

Generate a number pattern that follows a given rule and identify relationships between the numbers within the pattern.

Maryland College and Career Ready Standards for Mathematics (2025) · ANALYZE PATTERNS AND RELATIONSHIPS.

Teacher's field guide

What Students Need to Do: Students start with a given number and apply a rule to make a number pattern. They compare numbers in the pattern and describe how they are related.
What Mastery Looks Like: Given “start at 3 and add 4,” a student writes 3, 7, 11, 15, 19, 23. They explain that neighboring numbers differ by 4 and numbers two places apart differ by 8.
Common Misconceptions: Some students start at 4 instead of the given starting number when told to add 4. Others multiply by 4 each time or say numbers two places apart differ by 4.
How to Assess It: Exit ticket: Start at 3 and add 4. Write six numbers, then state the difference between numbers one place apart and two places apart.

Lesson moves

Start with 3 counters, add 4 five times, and record each total; compare totals one and two steps apart.
Show 3, 7, 11, 15 and ask, “Why are numbers two places apart always 8 apart?”
Partners draw a start card and an add card, make six numbers, then check each other’s one-step and two-step differences.
A theater has 10 seats in its first row and 2 more in each later row; list six row totals and compare them.

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