standard_description: Identify arithmetic patterns (including patterns in the addition table or multiplication table), and explain them using properties of operations. For example, observe that 4 times a number is always even, and explain why 4 times a number can be decomposed into two equal addends.
problem_activity: Narrative
This warm-up prompts students to carefully analyze and compare representations of patterns. Listen for the language students use to describe and compare the elements of each pattern and give them opportunities to clarify what they mean when they use numbers to describe the patterns (MP6).
Launch
Groups of 2
Display image.
“Pick one that doesn’t belong. Be ready to share why it doesn’t belong.”
1 minute: quiet think time
Activity
“Discuss your thinking with your partner.”
2–3 minutes: partner discussion
Share and record responses.
Student Facing
Which one doesn’t belong?
A
[IMG]
B
[IMG]
C
[IMG]
D
[IMG]
Student Response
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Activity Synthesis
“What features of the diagrams did you look at when you tried to find which one doesn’t belong?” (Sample response: the number of small squares in each shape)
If time permits, ask students to think about which one doesn’t belong if they pay attention to the number of rows or the perimeter rather than the number of squares.


aligns: no