Educator Services Teaching & Learning Curriculum Resources
Mathematics Curriculum Framework
November 2000

Learning Standards by Strand

Patterns, Relations, and Algebra
for Grades 3-4

Understand patterns, relations, and functions

Represent and analyze mathematical situations and structures using algebraic symbols

Use mathematical models to represent and understand quantitative relationships

Analyze change in various contexts

Learning Standards

Students engage in problem solving, communicating, reasoning, connecting, and representing as they:

4.P.1

Create, describe, extend, and explain symbolic (geometric) and numeric patterns, including multiplication patterns like 3, 30, 300, 3000, ....

4.P.2

Use symbol and letter variables (e.g., Δ, x) to represent unknowns or quantities that vary in expressions and in equations or inequalities (mathematical sentences that use =, <, >).

4.P.3

Determine values of variables in simple equations, e.g., 4106 - = 37, 5 = + 3, and - = 3.

4.P.4

Use pictures, models, tables, charts, graphs, words, number sentences, and mathematical notations to interpret mathematical relationships.

4.P.5

Solve problems involving proportional relationships, including unit pricing (e.g., four apples cost 80¢, so one apple costs 20¢) and map interpretation (e.g., one inch represents five miles, so two inches represent ten miles).

4.P.6

Determine how change in one variable relates to a change in a second variable, e.g., input-output tables.

Exploratory Concepts and Skills

• Use concrete materials to build an understanding of equality and inequality.
• Explore properties of equality in number sentences: when equals are added to equals, then the sums are equal; when equals are multiplied by equals, then the products are equal, e.g., if = 5, then 3 x = 3 x 5.