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3rd grade · Math · Unit 5 of 14

Patterns & Equations

Pattern rules and mystery numbers

What your child practices

Extending increasing and decreasing patterns, describing pattern rules in words and tables, and solving one-step equations like ☐ + 8 = 23.

Maine Learning Results learning standard: 3.OA.A.4; 3.OA.D.9 · finding unknown numbers in equations and explaining arithmetic patterns

How we explain it

Children can open this short lesson before they practice.

  1. An equation has an = sign. Both sides are the same.
  2. A letter or box stands for a missing number.
  3. Do the opposite to find it: the opposite of + is −.

Example: n + 7 = 15 Undo + 7 by taking away 7. 15 − 7 = 8. Answer: n = 8

Patterns & Equations in Maine

In the Maine Learning Results, this is unit 5 of 14 in 3rd grade Math, after Fractions and before Measuring.

Gradelings describes a child's practice on this unit as Beginning, Approaching, Meeting or Exceeding (Four practice steps). That reflects practice, not a report-card mark: the teacher decides the mark.

Source: Maine Department of Education

Sample questions

A taste of this unit. In the app, questions change every time and get easier or harder to match your child.

  1. Question 1

    Which pattern rule fits?

    53, 50, 47, 44

    • Start at 50 and subtract 3 each time
    • Start at 53 and subtract 3 each time
    • Start at 53 and add 3 each time
    • Start at 53 and subtract 4 each time

  2. Question 2

    Follow the pattern. What number goes where the ? is?

    WeekPlant height (cm)
    112
    216
    320
    424
    5?

    answer box

  3. Question 3

    What number goes in the box?

    + 45 = 88

    answer box

  4. Question 4

    What number goes in the box?

    52 + = 85

    • 137
    • 33
    • 32
    • 34

  5. Question 5

    What number is missing from the pattern?

    49, 45, 41, , 33

    answer box

  6. Question 6

    What number comes next?

    848, 748, 648, 548,

    • 448
    • 449
    • 348
    • 447

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