Virginia SOL 4.PFA.1.c
The Standard
Given a rule, create increasing and decreasing patterns using numbers and input/output tables (including function machines).
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 use a given addition, subtraction, or multiplication rule to generate numbers. They show the results in sequences, input/output tables, or function machines.
What Mastery Looks Like
- Students correctly complete number patterns and input/output tables from a given rule. They can state whether values increase or decrease and explain how the rule changes each value.
Common Misconceptions
- Students may apply the rule to the previous output instead of each input in a table. They may reverse subtraction, skip values, or assume multiplication always uses consecutive inputs.
How to Assess It
- Exit ticket: Complete one table for “multiply each input by 3” and one pattern that starts at 35 and subtracts 5.
Lesson moves
Ways to Teach It
Give pairs number cards, operation cards, and a paper function machine to build and check four-step patterns.
Ask students to explain why subtracting 6 from 42 creates a decreasing pattern and predict the fifth term.
Play Rule Relay, where teams complete input/output tables and pass them to another team to identify the rule.
Model a store inventory losing four items daily, then have students make a table showing the amount for five days.
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Related Standards
- 4.PFA.1.a
Identify, describe, extend, and create increasing and decreasing patterns using various representations (e.g., objects, pictures, numbers, number lines, input/o...
- 5.PFA.1.a
Identify, describe, extend, and create increasing and decreasing patterns using various representations (e.g., objects, pictures, numbers, number lines, input/o...
- 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...
- 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 ...
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