Grade 6 › U09 Patterns & Functions

Grade 6 › U09 Patterns & Functions › L2
NUMBER · GRADE 6 · ALBERTAOUTCOME AB-MAT6-P1

L2 · Tables of values and the function rule

Learning goal

“I can build a table of values when I am given a function rule in words, and I can find the rule in words when I am given a table - including rules that start at a number and add the same amount each step.”

Table of values — a table with one column for the independent variable (input) and one for the dependent variable (output); each row is a pair that belongs together.
Function rule — the instruction that turns each input into its output, like "multiply by 4" or "start at 10 and add 3 each time". Short form: the rule. "Function" is our name for a pairing where each input gives exactly one output.
Pattern — what stays the same from row to row in a table, like the outputs growing by the same amount each step.
Row / pair — one line of the table: an input and its one matching output.
Worked example

Each box holds 4 muffins. The rule is: muffins = number of boxes x 4. Step 1: Choose inputs: boxes = 1, 2, 3, 4, 5. Step 2: Apply the rule to each input: 1 x 4 = 4, 2 x 4 = 8, 3 x 4 = 12, 4 x 4 = 16, 5 x 4 = 20. Step 3: The table of values is: Boxes 1, 2, 3, 4, 5 -> Muffins 4, 8, 12, 16, 20. Step 4: Check the pattern: the outputs grow by 4 each step - the same number the rule multiplies by. As points (boxes across, muffins up): (1, 4), (2, 8), (3, 12), (4, 16), (5, 20).

Check yourself — explain it

In a 'multiply by 4' table, the outputs grow by 4 each step because...

Paired problem — example still visible

Each shelf holds 5 books. Build the outputs for 1, 2, 3, 4 shelves. -> 5, 10, 15, 20 books (multiply by 5).

Faded completion — last step is yours

"Rule: multiply by 7. For input 6, the output is 6 x 7 = ___." -> 42

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10 scored questions with a 3-rung hint ladder. Mastery needs 8/10 plus both gate questions.

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