Input and Output
patterns · Finding a rule from input and output values
Input and Output is a Grade 3 whole-class pattern activity where students infer a hidden rule from a starting value and its result. The teacher provides an input and output, and students reason about what operation or sequence of operations could connect them. The rule can stay simple with addition or subtraction or become more complex as students are ready.
Use it as a warm-up for pattern recognition, function thinking, and mathematical conjecture. Because more than one rule may fit a single input-output pair, additional examples can be used to test and refine students’ ideas. Create a free Find a Math Game account to generate teacher-ready lesson support for Input and Output. No credit card is required, and the account includes 3 lesson generations for life.
- Grades:
- 3
- Materials:
- printable
- Classroom use:
- whole class
Standards alignment
Official Rules
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Original Printable
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