MA.6.AR.1.1

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Given a mathematical or real-world context, translate written descriptions into algebraic expressions and translate algebraic expressions into written descriptions.

Examples

The algebraic expression 7.2x-20 can be used to describe the daily profit of a company who makes $7.20 per product sold with daily expenses of $20.
General Information
Subject Area: Mathematics (B.E.S.T.)
Grade: 6
Strand: Algebraic Reasoning
Standard: Apply previous understanding of arithmetic expressions to algebraic expressions.
Date Adopted or Revised: 08/20
Status: State Board Approved

Related Courses

This benchmark is part of these courses.
1205010: M/J Grade 6 Mathematics (Specifically in versions: 2014 - 2015, 2015 - 2022, 2022 and beyond (current))
1205020: M/J Accelerated Mathematics Grade 6 (Specifically in versions: 2014 - 2015, 2015 - 2020, 2020 - 2022, 2022 and beyond (current))
1204000: M/J Foundational Skills in Mathematics 6-8 (Specifically in versions: 2014 - 2015, 2015 - 2022, 2022 and beyond (current))
7812015: Access M/J Grade 6 Mathematics (Specifically in versions: 2014 - 2015, 2015 - 2018, 2018 - 2022, 2022 and beyond (current))

Related Access Points

Alternate version of this benchmark for students with significant cognitive disabilities.
MA.6.AR.1.AP.1: Write or select an algebraic expression that represents a real-world situation.

Related Resources

Vetted resources educators can use to teach the concepts and skills in this benchmark.

Formative Assessments

Writing Real-World Expressions:

Students are asked to use variables to write expressions that represent quantities described in context.

Type: Formative Assessment

Gavin’s Pocket:

Students are asked to interpret the significance of a variable and its possible values when given a variable expression in a real-world context.

Type: Formative Assessment

Inventing X:

Students are asked to write and explain a real-world situation to accompany an algebraic expression.

Type: Formative Assessment

Parts of Expressions:

Students are asked to identify key parts of algebraic expressions.

Type: Formative Assessment

Cube House:

Students are asked to write a numerical expression using exponents.

Type: Formative Assessment

Writing Expressions:

Students are asked to write expressions that record operations with numbers and variables.

Type: Formative Assessment

Lesson Plans

Going The Distance:

This lesson provides a hands-on activity where students can apply solving one-step multiplication and division equations to a real-world problem. The lesson focuses on the relationship between distance, rate, and time. The students will also represent data on graphs and draw conclusions and make interpretations based on the graphs.

Type: Lesson Plan

Analyzing Polyhedra:

Students will construct several simple polyhedra, then count the number of faces, edges, and vertices. These data should suggest Euler's formula. 

Type: Lesson Plan

Gummy vs. Gum (Number Pattern):

In this lesson from the Beacon Learning Center, students use gummy bears and sticks of gum to discover a number pattern and write an representation that describes it.   

This lesson can be adapted for several grade levels and instead of writing an equation, students can write a "rule" or expression based on the pattern or relationship between number of pieces of gum and gummy bears.  Consider scaffolding this activity to meet your grade-level needs.

Type: Lesson Plan

Original Student Tutorials

Algebraic Expressions Part 2: Multiplication and Division:

Help Oscar translate written real-world descriptions of multiplication and division into algebraic expressions in this interactive tutorial.

This is part 2 of 3. Click below to open the other tutorials in this series. 

Type: Original Student Tutorial

Algebraic Expressions Part 1: Addition and Subtraction:

Follow Oscar as he writes algebraic expressions of addition and subtraction about his new puppy Scooter in this interactive tutorial.

Type: Original Student Tutorial

Balancing the Machine:

Use models to solve balance problems on a space station in this interactive, math and science tutorial. 

Type: Original Student Tutorial

MacCoder’s Farm Part 3: If Statements:

Explore computer coding on the farm by using relational operators and IF statements to evaluate expressions. In this interactive tutorial, you'll also solve problems involving inequalities.

Click below to check out the other tutorials in the series.

Type: Original Student Tutorial

MacCoder’s Farm Part 2: Condition Statements:

Explore computer coding on the farm by using condition and IF statements in this interactive tutorial. You'll also get a chance to apply the order of operations as you using coding to solve problems.

Click below to check out the other tutorials in the series.

Type: Original Student Tutorial

MacCoder’s Farm Part 1: Declare Variables:

Explore computer coding on the farm by declaring and initializing variables in this interactive tutorial. You'll also get a chance to practice your long division skills.

Type: Original Student Tutorial

Perspectives Video: Professional/Enthusiast

Using Algebra to Program Robots and Microcontrollers:

There are 10 ways to use algebra to program a binary-counting circuit: fun and more fun.

Download the CPALMS Perspectives video student note taking guide.

Type: Perspectives Video: Professional/Enthusiast

Perspectives Video: Teaching Idea

Programming Mathematics: Algebra, and Variables to control Open-source Hardware:

If you are having trouble understanding variables, this video might help you see the light.

Download the CPALMS Perspectives video student note taking guide.

Type: Perspectives Video: Teaching Idea

Tutorials

How to Write Basic Expressions with Variables:

Learn how to write basic algebraic expressions.

Type: Tutorial

How to Write Expressions with Variables:

Learn how to write simple algebraic expressions.

Type: Tutorial

How to Write Basic Algebraic Expressions from Word Problems:

Learn how to write basic expressions with variables to portray situations described in word problems.

Type: Tutorial

What is a Variable?:

The focus here is understanding that a variable is just a symbol that can represent different values in an expression.

Type: Tutorial

Why aren't we using the multiplication sign?:

Great question. In algebra, we do indeed avoid using the multiplication sign. We'll explain it for you here.

Type: Tutorial

MFAS Formative Assessments

Cube House:

Students are asked to write a numerical expression using exponents.

Gavin’s Pocket:

Students are asked to interpret the significance of a variable and its possible values when given a variable expression in a real-world context.

Inventing X:

Students are asked to write and explain a real-world situation to accompany an algebraic expression.

Parts of Expressions:

Students are asked to identify key parts of algebraic expressions.

Writing Expressions:

Students are asked to write expressions that record operations with numbers and variables.

Writing Real-World Expressions:

Students are asked to use variables to write expressions that represent quantities described in context.

Original Student Tutorials Science - Grades K-8

Balancing the Machine:

Use models to solve balance problems on a space station in this interactive, math and science tutorial. 

Original Student Tutorials Mathematics - Grades 6-8

Algebraic Expressions Part 1: Addition and Subtraction:

Follow Oscar as he writes algebraic expressions of addition and subtraction about his new puppy Scooter in this interactive tutorial.

Algebraic Expressions Part 2: Multiplication and Division:

Help Oscar translate written real-world descriptions of multiplication and division into algebraic expressions in this interactive tutorial.

This is part 2 of 3. Click below to open the other tutorials in this series. 

Computer Science Original Student Tutorials

MacCoder’s Farm Part 1: Declare Variables:

Explore computer coding on the farm by declaring and initializing variables in this interactive tutorial. You'll also get a chance to practice your long division skills.

MacCoder’s Farm Part 2: Condition Statements:

Explore computer coding on the farm by using condition and IF statements in this interactive tutorial. You'll also get a chance to apply the order of operations as you using coding to solve problems.

Click below to check out the other tutorials in the series.

MacCoder’s Farm Part 3: If Statements:

Explore computer coding on the farm by using relational operators and IF statements to evaluate expressions. In this interactive tutorial, you'll also solve problems involving inequalities.

Click below to check out the other tutorials in the series.

Student Resources

Vetted resources students can use to learn the concepts and skills in this benchmark.

Original Student Tutorials

Algebraic Expressions Part 2: Multiplication and Division:

Help Oscar translate written real-world descriptions of multiplication and division into algebraic expressions in this interactive tutorial.

This is part 2 of 3. Click below to open the other tutorials in this series. 

Type: Original Student Tutorial

Algebraic Expressions Part 1: Addition and Subtraction:

Follow Oscar as he writes algebraic expressions of addition and subtraction about his new puppy Scooter in this interactive tutorial.

Type: Original Student Tutorial

Balancing the Machine:

Use models to solve balance problems on a space station in this interactive, math and science tutorial. 

Type: Original Student Tutorial

MacCoder’s Farm Part 3: If Statements:

Explore computer coding on the farm by using relational operators and IF statements to evaluate expressions. In this interactive tutorial, you'll also solve problems involving inequalities.

Click below to check out the other tutorials in the series.

Type: Original Student Tutorial

MacCoder’s Farm Part 2: Condition Statements:

Explore computer coding on the farm by using condition and IF statements in this interactive tutorial. You'll also get a chance to apply the order of operations as you using coding to solve problems.

Click below to check out the other tutorials in the series.

Type: Original Student Tutorial

MacCoder’s Farm Part 1: Declare Variables:

Explore computer coding on the farm by declaring and initializing variables in this interactive tutorial. You'll also get a chance to practice your long division skills.

Type: Original Student Tutorial

Tutorials

How to Write Basic Expressions with Variables:

Learn how to write basic algebraic expressions.

Type: Tutorial

How to Write Expressions with Variables:

Learn how to write simple algebraic expressions.

Type: Tutorial

How to Write Basic Algebraic Expressions from Word Problems:

Learn how to write basic expressions with variables to portray situations described in word problems.

Type: Tutorial

What is a Variable?:

The focus here is understanding that a variable is just a symbol that can represent different values in an expression.

Type: Tutorial

Why aren't we using the multiplication sign?:

Great question. In algebra, we do indeed avoid using the multiplication sign. We'll explain it for you here.

Type: Tutorial

Parent Resources

Vetted resources caregivers can use to help students learn the concepts and skills in this benchmark.