Virginia SOL 3.PFA.1.b
The Standard
Analyze an increasing or decreasing pattern and generalize the change to extend the pattern or identify missing terms using various representations.
Virginia Standards of Learning for Mathematics · The student will identify, describe, extend, and create increasing and decreasing patterns (limited to addition and subtraction of whole numbers), including those in context, using various representations.
Teacher's field guide
What This Standard Means
What Students Need to Do
- Students compare neighboring terms to find the repeated amount added or subtracted. They use that rule to continue a pattern or find a missing number in lists, tables, pictures, and number lines.
What Mastery Looks Like
- A student correctly names the repeated amount added or subtracted. The student finds end terms and missing middle terms, then explains the rule with numbers, words, or a visual model.
Common Misconceptions
- Students may notice that numbers rise or fall but assume the change can vary each time. They may count terms instead of finding the difference between terms. They may reverse subtraction, especially when working backward to find a missing term.
How to Assess It
- Give the pattern 34, 29, 24, __, __. Ask students to fill the blanks, state the rule, and show the jumps on a number line.
Lesson moves
Ways to Teach It
Build staircases with linking cubes using 4 more or 3 fewer cubes each time, then record the totals.
Show 12, 17, 22, 27 and ask, "What stays the same, and how do you know?"
Play Missing Number Match with pattern cards and rule cards, such as 45, 39, __, 27 matched to subtract 6.
Track a pretend store inventory that gains 8 items daily or sells 5 items daily, then predict later totals.
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Printable 3.PFA.1.b Worksheet
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Related Standards
- 3.PFA.1.a
Identify and describe increasing and decreasing patterns using various representations (e.g., objects, pictures, numbers, number lines).
- 4.PFA.1.b
Analyze an increasing or decreasing single-operation numerical pattern found in lists, input/output tables, or function machines and generalize the change to id...
- 2.PFA.1.b
Analyze a repeating or increasing pattern and generalize the change to extend the pattern using objects, pictures, and numbers.
- 1.PFA.1.b
Analyze a repeating or increasing pattern and generalize the change to extend the pattern using objects, colors, movements, pictures, or geometric figures.
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