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Florida Grade 6 Math · Number Sense and Operations

MA.6.NSO.1.4: Problems With Absolute Value

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

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What Is Benchmark MA.6.NSO.1.4?

Students solve real-world problems with absolute value, such as comparing debts, distances, and temperatures. Problems use integers and at most two operations.

For example, if a lemonade stand costs $10 to start and makes $5 the first day, comparing |−10| and |5| shows it has not made a profit yet.

Official benchmarkSolve mathematical and real-world problems involving absolute value, including the comparison of absolute value.

On the FAST test: part of the Grade 6 reporting category Number Sense and Operations, which is about 33–42% of the test.

Worked Examples

Worked Example 1

Profit or Not?

Starting a car wash costs $12. On the first day, the car wash makes $9. Has it made a profit?
  1. 1The cost is −12 and the earnings are 9.
  2. 2Compare distances from 0: |−12| = 12 and |9| = 9
  3. 312 > 9, so the cost is still bigger than the earnings.
Answer: No, not yet

Worked Example 2

Change Across Zero

The temperature was −8°F at night and 5°F at noon. How many degrees did it rise?
  1. 1From −8 up to 0 is |−8| = 8 degrees.
  2. 2From 0 up to 5 is 5 degrees.
  3. 3|−8| + |5| = 13
Answer: 13 degrees

Common Mistakes to Watch For

Subtracting the distances when crossing zero

Wrong:From −8°F to 5°F is 5 − 8 = −3 degrees.

The temperature crosses 0, so add the distances: 8 + 5 = 13 degrees.

Reading a bigger debt as a smaller amount owed

Wrong:A balance of −50 is less debt than −30 because −50 < −30.

|−50| = 50 and |−30| = 30, so −50 means more debt.

Helpful Math Tip

Draw a vertical number line for elevation and temperature problems, and count the distance in two parts: to zero, then from zero.

Related Grade 6 Skills

MA.6.NSO.1.3

Absolute Value

MA.6.NSO.4.1

Adding and Subtracting 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.