Mississippi Math F-BF.1a

MathGrades 9–12Interpreting Functions

The Standard

F-BF.1
Write a function that describes a relationship between two quantities.
Determine an explicit expression or steps for calculation from a context.

2025 Mississippi College- and Career-Readiness Standards for Mathematics · Build a Function that Models a Relationship Between Two Quantities

Teacher's field guide

What This Standard Means

What Students Need to Do

Students name the input and output in a situation, then write a rule to calculate the output. They check the rule with a value from the situation.

What Mastery Looks Like

For a tank that starts with 20 liters and gains 3 liters each minute, a student writes V(m) = 20 + 3m. They find 35 liters after 5 minutes and explain why only the 3 is multiplied by m.

Common Misconceptions

Students may multiply a starting amount by the input or add a per-unit charge only once. They may keep using one rate after the situation says the price changes.

How to Assess It

Exit ticket: A bike rental costs $6 plus $4 per hour. Write a rule for the cost after h hours, say what h means, and find the cost for 3 hours.

Lesson moves

Ways to Teach It

  1. Give pairs square tiles to build 2-by-2, 3-by-3, and 4-by-4 patios, then write a rule for an n-by-n patio.

  2. Ask: A gym charges $12 to join and $5 per visit. Why does 12 + 5v work, but 12v + 5 does not?

  3. Give groups cards with stories, tables, and formulas; have them match each set and check the rule with an input of 4.

  4. Show a parking sign: $5 for the first hour, $2 for each later hour. Write steps to price any whole-hour stay.

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Printable F-BF.1a Worksheet

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