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Florida Grade 6 Math · Algebraic Reasoning

MA.6.AR.1.3: Evaluating Expressions

What this Grade 6 benchmark means, worked examples, common mistakes, and a free printable worksheet.

Created by a Florida mom · Published by Tropical Learning LLC

Download Free Worksheet (PDF)See worked examples

What Is Benchmark MA.6.AR.1.3?

Students evaluate algebraic expressions by substituting values for the variables and following the order of operations. All the operations use integers.

Order of operations: parentheses first, then exponents, then multiplication and division from left to right, then addition and subtraction from left to right. Put negative values in parentheses when substituting.

Official benchmarkEvaluate algebraic expressions using substitution and order of operations.

On the FAST test: part of the Grade 6 reporting category Algebraic Reasoning, which is about 25–36% of the test.

Worked Examples

Worked Example 1

Substituting a Negative

Evaluate 3x² − y when x = −2 and y = 5.
  1. 1Substitute: 3 × (−2)² − 5
  2. 2Exponent first: (−2)² = 4
  3. 33 × 4 − 5 = 12 − 5 = 7
Answer: 7

Worked Example 2

Using Parentheses

Evaluate (m + n) ÷ 4 when m = 10 and n = −2.
  1. 1Substitute: (10 + (−2)) ÷ 4
  2. 2Parentheses first: 10 + (−2) = 8
  3. 38 ÷ 4 = 2
Answer: 2

Common Mistakes to Watch For

Squaring a negative without parentheses

Wrong:When x = −2, x² = −4.

Substitute with parentheses: (−2)² = (−2) × (−2) = 4.

Working left to right without the order of operations

Wrong:4 + 3 × 2 = 14

Multiply first: 3 × 2 = 6, then 4 + 6 = 10.

Helpful Math Tip

Have your child rewrite the expression with the numbers in parentheses before doing any math. It prevents most sign mistakes.

Related Grade 6 Skills

MA.6.AR.1.1

Writing and Reading Algebraic Expressions

MA.6.NSO.3.3

Exponents

MA.6.NSO.4.2

Multiplying and Dividing Integers

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Independent Educational Platform. FastChomp is published by Tropical Learning LLC and is not affiliated with, sponsored by, or endorsed by the Florida Department of Education. FAST and Star assessment names are referenced for informational purposes only. FastChomp practice questions are original educational materials, not official Florida FAST assessment questions.