Add and Subtract Decimals to Create Patterns

If your students are learning to use addition and subtraction to describe a pattern with decimals, you have come to the right place! Teach Starter has created a resource to help your students analyze numerical patterns, find corresponding patterns, and determine the following number in the sequence.

Prior to student use, cut apart the cards. Lamination and/or cardstock paper are recommended. Students match each numerical sequence (purple card) to its corresponding rule (green card) and the next number in the sequence (red card).

The goal of this resource is to practice determining the pattern and next number in a sequence of decimal numbers to the hundredths place. Patterns are determined by adding and subtracting decimals using the standard algorithm.

Tips for Differentiation + Scaffolding 

A team of dedicated, experienced educators created this resource to support your math lessons. 

In addition to individual student work time, use this decimal patterns activity to enhance learning through guided math groups or whole class lessons.

If you have a mixture of above and below-level learners, check out these suggestions for keeping students on track with the concepts: 

🆘 Support Struggling Students

If there are students who need additional support, work one on one or in a small group. Additionally, the numbers can be modified for complexity level. Calculators can also be used as well.

➕ Challenge Fast Finishers

For an added challenge, play a memory match game with the cards. To do so, remove a set of 12 cards (either the rules or the next numbers in the sequence). Turn the remaining 24 cards mixed up face down and flip over two cards at a time to find a match. This can be played by either matching the numerical sequence to its next value or matching the numerical sequence to its corresponding pattern. Another option is to have students create their own matching cards or set up a true/false gallery walk for students to determine if each match-up is accurate or not and justify their thinking.

Plan lessons for all ability levels with our 10 Best Scaffolding Strategies! 

Easily Prepare This Resource for Your Students

Use the dropdown icon on the Download button to choose between the PDF or Google Slides version of this resource. A recording sheet and answer key are also included with this download. 

Print on cardstock for added durability and longevity. Place all pieces in a folder or large envelope for easy access. 

Sustainability Tip: Print a few recording sheets on cardstock and slip them into dry-erase sleeves. Students can record their answers with a whiteboard marker, then erase and reuse them.  

This resource was created by Lorin Davies, a teacher in Texas and Teach Starter Collaborator. 

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