MA.4.A.4.1Archived Standard

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Generate algebraic rules and use all four operations to describe patterns, including nonnumeric growing or repeating patterns.

Remarks

Example 1: A number pattern is: 3, 6, 9, 12, 15, 18... What is an algebraic rule to describe the nth number in the pattern?

Example 2: The triangle below is shape 1 and the square is shape 2. This same pattern continues, in which each shape has one more side than the previous shape. How many sides would shape n have, where n can be any natural number? How do you know?

General Information
Subject Area: X-Mathematics (former standards - 2008)
Grade: 4
Body of Knowledge: Algebra
Idea: Level 3: Strategic Thinking & Complex Reasoning
Supporting Idea: Algebra - Algebra
Date Adopted or Revised: 09/07
Content Complexity Rating: Level 3: Strategic Thinking & Complex Reasoning - More Information
Date of Last Rating: 06/07
Status: State Board Approved - Archived
Assessed: Yes
Test Item Specifications
  • Item Type(s): This benchmark may be assessed using: MC , GR item(s)

  • Clarification :
    Students will complete a graphic or numeric pattern.

    Students will describe or generalize the algebraic rule of a pattern.

    Students may be asked to extend a pattern beyond its next step or find a missing number, graphic, or figure in a pattern.
  • Content Limits :
    Items may include any of the four operations but will use only one operation in each numeric pattern. 

    Patterns involving multiplication or division are limited to the multiplication facts of 0 X 0 through 12 X 12 and the related division facts. 

    A repeating pattern should be shown with at least three examples of the repeated pattern unless it is clearly explained in the stem of the item.

  • Stimulus Attributes :
    Items may use graphics, tables, or lists to describe patterns.

    Items may be set in either a real-world or mathematical context.
  • Response Attributes :
    Responses should not be in the form of expressions or equations.
Sample Test Items (2)
  • Test Item #: Sample Item 1
  • Question: A number pattern is shown below:

    3, 6, 9, 12, 15, 18 . . .

    What algebraic rule can be used to describe the pattern?
  • Difficulty: N/A
  • Type: MC: Multiple Choice
  • Test Item #: Sample Item 2
  • Question: Elijah made a pattern using squares for his social studies project on pyramids. The first four figures in the pattern are shown below.

    pattern

    if elijah continues the pattern, what should be the total number of squares in figure 5?
  • Difficulty: N/A
  • Type: GR: Gridded-Response

Related Access Points

Alternate version of this benchmark for students with significant cognitive disabilities.

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Educational Game

Guess My Rule:

Function Machine card game is used to reinforce student understanding of functions using an in/out table.

Type: Educational Game

Student Resources

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Parent Resources

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