Function table practice

Addition and subtraction in-out boxes

Apply a given addition or subtraction rule, then infer a hidden rule from three complete pairs. Fourteen tables mix vertical and horizontal layouts.

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Complete the outputs in the eight tables with a given rule. In the final six tables, use three complete pairs to find the rule and the missing output.

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One relationship, several pairs

Match each input with its output before calculating. A rule applies to every pair in the same table; it does not describe the gaps between consecutive inputs.

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Learning objective

What this activity builds

Connect each input with its output using one constant change and check that the same rule works for every pair.

Worked example

The pairs are 8 → 13, 12 → 17 and 19 → 24. What is the rule, and what follows 23?

Add 5; 23 → 28.

Subtract each input from its matching output. The difference is five in every pair, so apply the same change to 23.

Teaching notes

Make the practice count

  • The input bands are 0–30, 30–60 and 60–90. Addition outputs can exceed the selected band; subtraction inputs are chosen so outputs stay nonnegative.
  • Select the constants you want learners to use. Their use is balanced across the tables, but a single sheet cannot always include every selection.
  • For hidden rules, test addition or subtraction from the selected choices against all three complete pairs.
  • Read a horizontal table by matching an input with the output directly below it. Do not continue along the input row as if it were a counting pattern.

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Math SheetNameScore/ 44TeacherDateAddition and subtraction input-output boxesUse each rule to complete the outputs, then find hidden rules.Use the rule to fill every empty output.1. Rule: Add 1InputOutput4619262. Rule: Add 2InputOutput162124273. Rule: Subtract 2InputOutput4521234. Rule: Subtract 3InputOutput31118285. Rule: Subtract 4Input18202426Output6. Rule: Subtract 2Input8172022Output7. Rule: Add 1Input6232630Output8. Rule: Add 5Input1152025OutputWrite the rule and fill the one empty output.9. Rule: __________InputOutput107232522262310. Rule: __________InputOutput1215172028303311. Rule: __________InputOutput1924202526313012. Rule: __________InputOutput1119152319272313. Rule: __________Input171217Output12172214. Rule: __________Input3172428Output21623math-sheet.comPage 1 of 1

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