4th Grade · Operations & Algebraic Thinking
4.OA.C.5: Make a pattern from a rule, like adding 6 each time, and explain it
4.OA.C.5 is a 4th grade Common Core math standard in Operations & Algebraic Thinking. Here’s what it really covers, and how you can help your students learn it.
By Robert “Bobby” BarnettMath teacher, parent, and founder of Bobby’s Math Club
The standard
Generate a number or shape pattern that follows a given rule. Identify apparent features of the pattern that were not explicit in the rule itself. For example, given the rule "Add 3" and the starting number 1, generate terms in the resulting sequence and observe that the terms appear to alternate between odd and even numbers. Explain informally why the numbers will continue to alternate in this way.
In plain words
Make a pattern from a rule, like adding 6 each time, and explain it.
Sample questions from student practice
These questions from Bobby's Math Club are the kinds of questions your students will see. You can try answering them to see what a student might see.
Question 1 of 3
A pattern starts at 1, and the rule is multiply by 3. Which of these numbers will be in the pattern?
- 21
- 81
- 13
Where students can get stuck
- Adding the wrong amount partway through, writing 3, 9, 15, 20 instead of checking each step against the rule.
- Noticing a feature, like "the numbers are all odd," but explaining it with a guess that does not connect to the rule.
- Confusing the starting number with the rule, so "start at 4, add 5" becomes 5, 9, 13 instead of 4, 9, 14.
Effective teaching strategies
- Have students write the first five terms of a rule such as “start at 4, add 5,” giving 4, 9, 14, 19, 24, and check each step against the rule.
- Ask students to build 3, 9, 15, 21 by adding 6, then explain why every number stays odd, since adding an even number to an odd number gives an odd number.
- Build a shape pattern with a rule, such as starting with 1 square and adding 2 squares each figure, and ask students to predict how many squares figure 5 will have.
Units that teach this standard
Find where 4.OA.C.5 lands in the program you teach. Each unit has a guide written for families. Unit names and order vary between editions and districts, so your school’s own materials have the exact sequence.
enVision Mathematics
i-Ready Classroom Mathematics
Don’t see your curriculum? Contact Bobby and we’ll see if we can help!
Share it with families
Families can read Number patterns that follow a rule for a plain-language look at this skill, with three questions to try together and ideas for helping at home.
Help every student practice problem solving at home
In Bobby's Math Club, students practice 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 for every family.
See how it works for teachers
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.