CCSS.Math.Content.7.EE.B.4b
The Standard
Solve word problems leading to inequalities of the form px + q > r or px + q < r, where p, q, and r are specific rational numbers. Graph the solution set of the inequality and interpret it in the context of the problem.
Common Core State Standards for Mathematics
Teacher's field guide
What This Standard Means
What Students Need to Do
- Students turn a real-life situation into a one-variable inequality with rational numbers. They solve it, graph the solution set, and explain which values make sense in context.
What Mastery Looks Like
- Students write an inequality from a word problem, solve it correctly, and graph the solution on a number line. They explain what the boundary and solution set mean in the situation, including any whole-number limits.
Common Misconceptions
- Students may reverse the inequality sign at the wrong time, or forget to reverse it when multiplying or dividing by a negative number. They may confuse open and closed circles or report decimal solutions when the context requires whole numbers.
How to Assess It
- Give this exit ticket: “A gym charges $12 plus $4 per class. You can spend at most $40. Write, solve, and graph an inequality for the number of classes.”
Lesson moves
Ways to Teach It
Give pairs balance mats, counters, and inequality cards to model each step while keeping the two sides unequal.
Ask students to explain how “at least,” “more than,” and “no more than” change an inequality and its graph.
Play inequality match-up with cards showing a situation, an inequality, a solution, and a number-line graph.
Plan a class party budget with a fixed room fee and per-person cost, then find the possible attendance.
Free download
Printable 7.EE.B.4b Worksheet
A ready-to-print activity worksheet aligned to CCSS.Math.Content.7.EE.B.4b, with an answer key for the teacher on its own page. No account needed.
PDF, US Letter, prints cleanly in black and white.
Download the worksheetLearning progression
Where This Standard Sits
Before This Standard
If students are struggling here, check these first.
- CCSS.Math.Content.6.EE.B.5
Students must understand that inequality solutions are all values making the statement true before solving, graphing, and interpreting solution sets.
- CCSS.Math.Content.6.EE.B.8
Students must understand simple inequality solution sets and number-line graphs before solving and interpreting multi-step inequality word problems.
- CCSS.Math.Content.7.NS.A.3
Solving px + q inequalities requires adding, subtracting, multiplying, and dividing rational numbers accurately in each solution step.
What This Unlocks
Mastery here sets students up for these next.
Keep exploring
Related Standards
- CCSS.Math.Content.7.EE.B.4a
Solve word problems leading to equations of the form px + q = r and p(x + q) = r, where p, q, and r are specific rational numbers. Solve equations of these form...
- CCSS.Math.Content.6.EE.B.7
Solve real-world and mathematical problems by writing and solving equations of the form x + p = q and px = q for cases in which p, q and x are all nonnegative r...
Turn this exact standard into a lesson
Grade, subject, topic, and the complete standard are prefilled. Create one free, no account needed.