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Grade 5 Math: Patterns and Early Algebra

4 printable 5th Grade math worksheets on Patterns and Early Algebra. The first three are free to download; All Access opens all 4.

Practice pages support a program; they are not the lesson. These sheets reinforce Building Number Sense Grade 5, the sequenced K–5 math series from Faith Thinkers. See every program →

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5th Grade math worksheet — Patterns and Early Algebra. Exponents 3
Exponents 3 All Access

Teaching Patterns and Early Algebra

What it is

Early algebra is finding the rule behind a pattern and writing it down: a table where the output is always three times the input, or a sequence that adds 7 each time. A letter or a box stands in for the number that is not yet known.

When a child is ready

Begin once number patterns can be extended and missing-number equations are solved confidently.

If they struggle

If a rule fits the first row but not the rest, the child has usually found an adding rule where the table multiplies. Ask what turns 3 into 12, add 9 or times 4, then test both against the next row and let that row decide. Require the rule to be written as a sentence, output equals input times four, before any blank is filled in.

This skill in other grades: Kindergarten · Grade 1 · Grade 2 · Grade 3 · Grade 4