Virginia SOL 4.PFA.1.b
The Standard
Analyze an increasing or decreasing single-operation numerical pattern found in lists, input/output tables, or function machines and generalize the change to identify the rule, extend the pattern, or identify missing terms.
Virginia Standards of Learning for Mathematics · The student will identify, describe, extend, and create increasing and decreasing patterns (limited to addition, subtraction, and multiplication of whole numbers), including those in context, using various representations.
Teacher's field guide
What This Standard Means
What Students Need to Do
- Students examine numbers in a list, table, or function machine and determine the single operation that connects them. They state the rule, continue the pattern, and find missing values.
What Mastery Looks Like
- A student correctly names the single operation and number used in the rule. The student extends the pattern, fills missing values, and checks that the rule works for every given term or input.
Common Misconceptions
- Students may choose a rule after checking only one pair of numbers. They may confuse subtracting 6 with subtracting from 6, or treat a multiplication pattern as repeated addition by a fixed amount.
How to Assess It
- Give the exit ticket: Complete 96, 84, 72, __, 48. Write the rule and explain how you checked the missing term.
Lesson moves
Ways to Teach It
Give pairs number cards and an operation card, then have them build, swap, and solve five-term patterns.
Compare 4, 8, 12, 16 with 4, 8, 16, 32, and ask students to explain why the rules differ.
Run a function machine relay where teams complete input/output tables and earn a point only after stating the rule.
Track a store inventory that drops by eight items daily, then write the rule and predict stock after five days.
Free download
Printable 4.PFA.1.b Worksheet
A ready-to-print activity worksheet aligned to 4.PFA.1.b, with an answer key for the teacher on its own page. No account needed.
PDF, US Letter, prints cleanly in black and white.
Download the worksheetKeep exploring
Related Standards
- 3.PFA.1.b
Analyze an increasing or decreasing pattern and generalize the change to extend the pattern or identify missing terms using various representations.
- 4.PFA.1.c
Given a rule, create increasing and decreasing patterns using numbers and input/output tables (including function machines).
- 4.PFA.1.d
Solve contextual problems that involve identifying, describing, and extending increasing and decreasing patterns using single-operation input and output rules.
- 5.PFA.1.b
Analyze an increasing or decreasing single-operation numerical pattern found in lists, input/output tables, and function machines, and generalize the change to ...
Turn this exact standard into a lesson
Grade, subject, topic, and the complete standard are prefilled. Create one free, no account needed.