Maryland Math 8.DS.B.4
The Standard
Use a provided linear model to make predictions based on bivariate measurement data. Interpret the meaning of the slope and y-intercept in context.
Maryland College and Career Ready Standards for Mathematics (2025) · DESCRIBE, ANALYZE, AND COMPARE DATA USING VISUAL AND NUMERICAL REPRESENTATIONS TO MODEL SITUATIONS AND DRAW INFERENCES.
Teacher's field guide
What This Standard Means
What Students Need to Do
- Students use a given line equation to predict one measurement from another. They explain what the slope and starting value mean, using the units in the problem.
What Mastery Looks Like
- A student can substitute a value, calculate the prediction, and label it with the right unit. They can say how much the prediction changes for each one-unit increase and what the model predicts when the input is zero.
Common Misconceptions
- Students may swap the input and output values or treat the slope as the starting value. They may say a negative slope means a negative measurement, rather than a measurement that decreases over time.
How to Assess It
- Give students a candle model based on measurements: h = 18 − 1.5t, where t is hours and h is height in centimeters. Ask for the predicted height after 4 hours and what 18 and −1.5 mean.
Lesson moves
Ways to Teach It
Start a graduated cylinder at 50 mL, add 10 mL per round, and use the given model V = 50 + 10r to predict round four.
Show a candle model, h = 20 − 2t, and ask students to write what 20 and −2 mean in centimeters and hours.
Have pairs match cards showing a taxi model, F = 4 + 2m, with cards reading $4 starting fee, $2 per mile, and $10 for 3 miles.
Give students a bike-trip model, d = 5t, where d is kilometers and t is hours; ask how far the rider travels in 1.5 hours.
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Printable 8.DS.B.4 Worksheet
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Related Standards
- 8.AT.D.9
Interpret the graph of a linear function in the form y = mx + b
- 8.AT.D.9.a
Given the graph of a linear function, identify the slope and y-intercept.
- 8.AT.D.10
Construct and interpret a linear function to model a relationship between two quantities.
- 8.AT.D.9.b
Match a linear equation in the form y = mx + b to its graph.
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