Virginia SOL 5.PFA.1.b
The Standard
Analyze an increasing or decreasing single-operation numerical pattern found in lists, input/output tables, and function machines, and generalize the change to identify the rule, extend the pattern, or identify missing terms. (Patterns will be limited to addition, subtraction, multiplication, and division of whole numbers; addition and subtraction of fractions with like denominators of 12 or less; and addition and subtraction of decimals expressed in tenths or hundredths).
Virginia Standards of Learning for Mathematics · The student will identify, describe, extend, and create increasing and decreasing patterns with whole numbers, fractions, and decimals, including those in context, using various representations.
Teacher's field guide
What This Standard Means
What Students Need to Do
- Students compare consecutive terms or input-output pairs to find the one operation used each time. They state the rule, use it to extend the pattern, and solve for missing values.
What Mastery Looks Like
- A student can recognize whether a pattern grows or shrinks and name the exact operation and number, such as subtract 0.25. They correctly complete lists, tables, and function machines and explain how each value follows the rule.
Common Misconceptions
- Students may describe a pattern only as increasing or decreasing without naming the operation and amount. They may infer a rule from one pair, reverse subtraction or division when finding a missing input, or misalign decimal places. Some add fraction denominators instead of keeping like denominators unchanged.
How to Assess It
- Exit ticket: Complete 3.75, 3.50, __, 3.00, __, then write the rule and explain how you found each missing term.
Lesson moves
Ways to Teach It
Arrange fraction strips for 1/12, 4/12, 7/12, and 10/12, then name the repeated change and add two terms.
Display 4, 12, 36, 108 and ask, “What changes each time, and what evidence rules out adding 8?”
Play Rule Detective: teams draw a rule card, generate four terms, hide one term, and trade patterns for another team to solve.
Use a savings balance starting at $12.50 and increasing by $2.25 weekly; students complete a six-week table and state the rule.
Free download
Printable 5.PFA.1.b Worksheet
A ready-to-print activity worksheet aligned to 5.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
- 5.PFA.1.c
Solve contextual problems that involve identifying, describing, and extending increasing and decreasing patterns using single-operation input and output rules (...
- 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.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...
- 4.PFA.1.c
Given a rule, create increasing and decreasing patterns using numbers and input/output tables (including function machines).
Turn this exact standard into a lesson
Grade, subject, topic, and the complete standard are prefilled. Create one free, no account needed.