Go Math! Grade 5, Chapter 9: Algebra: Patterns and Graphing
In this unit, your child generates two number patterns from rules, compares how their terms relate, and graphs the pairs on a coordinate grid. They also plot points from real data, like a plant's height each week, and read line graphs to answer questions. After the fraction units, this brings in algebra and graphing, and converting units of measure comes next.
By Robert “Bobby” BarnettMath teacher, parent, and founder of Bobby’s Math Club
What is my child learning in Chapter 9?
- Writing two patterns from two rules, like add 2 and add 6, and noticing each second term is three times its partner. Learn more: Comparing two number patterns on a grid
- Plotting ordered pairs on a coordinate grid, starting at the origin and moving across, then up. Learn more: Finding points on a grid, like (6, 3)
- Making and reading line graphs of real data, like a plant's height each week, to answer questions. Learn more: Plotting real-life points on a grid
Sample questions to try together
These are real questions from our practice. Tap the speaker to hear one read aloud, or the light bulb for a hint, and talk about the answer together.
Question 1 of 3
Ana and Luis both start with $0. Each week, Ana saves $5 and Luis saves $10. When Ana has $15, how much does Luis have?
- $25
- $40
- $30
How you can help
- Record the temperature at the same time each day for a week. Plot day and temperature as ordered pairs and ask your child what the line graph shows.
- Count wheels on bikes, adding 2 each time, and on cars, adding 4 each time, for 1 to 5 of each. Ask your child how each pair of totals compares: always double.
- Draw a grid and play a guessing game: hide a point like (5, 2) and answer each of your child's guesses with “go farther across” or “go higher.”
Where kids can get stuck
- Swapping the coordinates, so the pair (2, 6) is plotted at (6, 2).
- Plotting (3, 6) correctly but describing it only as “3 across and 6 up,” not “6 centimeters after 3 weeks.”
- Comparing numbers within one list, noticing “add 2” but missing how each pair of terms relates.
Practice makes perfect
Bobby's Math Club has practice problems that adapt to your child’s level, each with a detailed explanation and an easy-to-follow video, so your child can build confidence in these skills one step at a time.
Words your child will hear
- pattern
- Numbers that change in a steady, predictable way.
- rule
- The instruction that makes a pattern, like “add 3 each time.”
- corresponding terms
- Matching partners from two patterns, paired up to compare or graph.
- ordered pair
- Two numbers in parentheses, like (3, 5), that name one point on a grid.
- coordinate grid
- A grid with numbered axes used to find and plot points.
- origin
- The point (0, 0), where the two axes of a grid meet.
- line graph
- A graph that connects points to show how something changes over time.
- x-axis
- The number line that runs left to right on a grid.
- y-axis
- The number line that runs up and down on a grid.
Ready to build your child’s confidence with patterns and graphing?
In Bobby's Math Club, your child practices these skills at just the right level, with a hint when they need one, a clear explanation after every question, and kid-friendly videos. Unlimited practice is free.
Join the club
Written by Robert “Bobby” Barnett
Bobby is an award-winning math teacher, the author of Meet Every Learner’s Needs, and the father of two elementary-school math learners. He uses Bobby’s Math Club with his own kids a few times every week. Learn more or contact Bobby.
Which math standards does Go Math! Grade 5 Chapter 9 cover?
Go Math! Grade 5 Chapter 9 covers these math standards. Each one links to what it means, sample questions, and teaching strategies.
For teachers: Unit names and order vary between editions and districts, so your school’s own materials have the exact sequence. Learn how Bobby's Math Club can help your students grow.