Maryland Math N.OA.A.1
The Standard
Use the notation for the factorial of a non-negative integer, n!, to evaluate expressions.
Maryland College and Career Ready Standards for Mathematics (2025) · Write and interpret numerical expressions.
Teacher's field guide
What This Standard Means
What Students Need to Do
- Students read n! as the product of the whole numbers from n down to 1, with 0! equal to 1. They use factorials to calculate numerical expressions.
What Mastery Looks Like
- A student can find 5! = 120 and 0! = 1. They can evaluate 4! ÷ (2! × 2!) = 6, keeping the parentheses straight.
Common Misconceptions
- Some students stop too soon and calculate 4! as 4 × 3. Others think 0! equals 0 or treat 3! + 2! as (3 + 2)!.
How to Assess It
- Exit ticket: Evaluate 0! + 4! ÷ 2!, and show the factorial products you used. The answer is 13.
Lesson moves
Ways to Teach It
Arrange three colored tiles in every possible order, record each order, and check the count against 3!.
Ask students to calculate 3! + 2! and (3 + 2)!, then write one sentence explaining the difference.
Give pairs cards labeled 0!, 2!, 3!, 4!, and 5! to match with cards showing their values.
List every possible finish order for three runners, then use 3! to check the count.
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Printable N.OA.A.1 Worksheet
A ready-to-print activity worksheet aligned to N.OA.A.1, with an answer key for the teacher on its own page. No account needed.
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