Pair Check

This worksheet asks students to analyze two relationships side by side and then decide whether both are proportional, both are non-proportional, or only one is proportional. Each pair may be shown in different forms, including equations, tables, ordered pairs, and real-world situations. That makes the activity especially useful because students have to compare relationships across formats instead of using the same test over and over.

For a parent, the key is to classify each relationship separately first. Once both are classified, the student can choose the final answer: Both P, Both NP, or One P. This keeps the work organized and prevents students from trying to compare the two before they understand each one.

Learning Goals

• Classify Two Relationships Independently: Students decide whether A and B are proportional or non-proportional.
• Compare Different Representations: Learners work with equations, tables, ordered pairs, and situations.
• Use Multiple Proportionality Tests: Students choose the right method for the format.
• Strengthen Reasoning: Learners justify why each relationship belongs in its category.
• Build Flexible Math Thinking: Students move between several forms of proportional relationships.

Parent-Friendly Teaching Tips

Use this routine:

1. Analyze relationship A.
2. Decide if A is proportional or non-proportional.
3. Analyze relationship B.
4. Decide if B is proportional or non-proportional.
5. Choose:
   • Both P
   • Both NP
   • One P

For example:

A: y = 4x
This is proportional because it has the form y = kx.

B: y = 6x + 2
This is non-proportional because of the +2 starting value.

So the answer is:

One P

Why This Worksheet Helps

• Builds Comparison Skills: Students must evaluate more than one relationship at once.
• Encourages Organized Thinking: Classifying each relationship separately reduces confusion.
• Reinforces Multiple Representations: Learners practice several ways proportionality can be shown.
• Prepares for Assessments: Mixed-format comparison questions are common in middle-school math.
• Reveals Specific Weaknesses: A student may understand equations but struggle with ordered pairs or situations.

The real value of this worksheet is that it teaches students to separate the classification step from the comparison step. Equations, tables, ordered pairs, situations, constant ratios, and starting values all work together. For parents, the best reminder is: “Decide what A is, decide what B is, then compare them.”