Virginia SOL 6.NS.3.a
The Standard
Recognize and represent patterns with bases and exponents that are whole numbers.
Virginia Standards of Learning for Mathematics · The student will recognize and represent patterns with whole number exponents and perfect squares.
Teacher's field guide
What This Standard Means
What Students Need to Do
- Students read exponential expressions as repeated multiplication and identify the base and exponent. They calculate values and describe patterns as the base or exponent changes.
What Mastery Looks Like
- Given 4³, a student writes 4 × 4 × 4 and finds 64. The student completes a power table and explains how values change as exponents increase.
Common Misconceptions
- Students may multiply the base by the exponent, reading 4³ as 4 × 3. They may also reverse the base and exponent or use too many factors.
How to Assess It
- Give the pattern 5, 25, 125, 625. Ask students to write each term as a power, find the next term, and explain the pattern.
Lesson moves
Ways to Teach It
Give pairs base and exponent cards, then have students build matching repeated-multiplication strips with number tiles.
Ask students to compare 2⁵ and 5², calculate both, and explain why switching the base and exponent changes the value.
Run a card sort matching exponential expressions, repeated multiplication, values, and related number patterns.
Model a population that doubles each hour, then record each hour using a table, repeated multiplication, and powers of 2.
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Printable 6.NS.3.a Worksheet
A ready-to-print activity worksheet aligned to 6.NS.3.a, with an answer key for the teacher on its own page. No account needed.
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Related Standards
- 6.NS.3.d
Recognize and represent powers of 10 with whole number exponents by examining patterns in place value.
- 6.NS.3
The student will recognize and represent patterns with whole number exponents and perfect squares.
- 5.PFA.1
The student will identify, describe, extend, and create increasing and decreasing patterns with whole numbers, fractions, and decimals, including those in conte...
- 3.PFA.1
The student will identify, describe, extend, and create increasing and decreasing patterns (limited to addition and subtraction of whole numbers), including tho...
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