Dot Pattern is a scaffolded task in which students must create an expression to represent the number of dots in a figure at any given point in a pattern. Students are given a visual representation of the first three figures and asked to think about how the figures change each time, and how the next figures would look. Ultimately, students will generate an algebraic expression to represent any figure. Students must construct an argument in order to explain why an expression works and where it comes from.

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