Algebra Readiness Made Easy Grade 6

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READ I N E S S

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Perplexing Patterns

Overview

Presented with an array of counting numbers, students identify relationships among

numbers in the rows and columns of an array.

Algebra

Explore variables that represent varying quantities • Use letters to stand for varying

quantities • Identify and describe the functional relationship between numbers in

rows and columns of an array

Problem-Solving Strategies

Describe parts of patterns • Generalize pattern relationships

Related Math Skills

Compute with counting numbers

Math Language

Array • Multiple

Introducing the Problem Set

Make photocopies of “Solve the Problem: Perplexing Patterns” (page 22) and

distribute to students. Have students work in pairs, encouraging them to discuss

strategies they might use to solve the problem. You may want to walk around and

listen in on some of their discussions. After a few minutes, display the problem on

the board (or on the overhead if you made a transparency) and use the following

questions to guide a whole-class discussion on how to solve the problem:

What are the first three numbers in Row 2? (4, 8, and 12)

What pattern did Ima see in these numbers? (They are consecutive multiples of 4.)

What is the 4th number in Row 2? (16)The 10th number in row 2? (40)

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