Mississippi Math 6.EE.5

Math6th GradeExpressions and Equations (EE) Apply and Extend Previous Understandings of Arithmetic to Algebraic Expressions

The Standard

Solve an equation or inequality and understand the process by answering a question: which values from a specified set, if any, make the equation or inequality true? Use substitution to determine whether a given number in a specified set makes an equation or inequality true.

2025 Mississippi College- and Career-Readiness Standards for Mathematics · Reason About and Solve One-Variable Equation and Inequalities

Teacher's field guide

What This Standard Means

What Students Need to Do: Students try each number in a given set as the variable in an equation or inequality. They calculate both sides and name every value that makes the statement true, even if none work.
What Mastery Looks Like: A student checks every listed value and shows the comparison each one produces. For x + 2 ≤ 6 and {0, 2, 4, 6}, they select 0, 2, and 4.
Common Misconceptions: Students may treat < as ≤ and include a value that makes both sides equal. They may stop after finding one value that works, even when others in the set work too.
How to Assess It: Exit ticket: For x + 3 < 7 and {0, 3, 4, 5}, substitute each value and circle those that work. Show one true and one false comparison.

Lesson moves

Ways to Teach It

Pairs substitute number cards {0, 2, 4, 6} into x + 2 ≤ 6, then sort them onto true and false mats.
Ask, “Why does 4 work for x + 2 ≤ 6 but not x + 2 < 6?” Have students write both comparisons.
Play a quick match: students sort {1, 3, 5} into true and false groups for 2x + 1 = 7.
Give students a $10 budget and $2 tickets; have them test whether buying {3, 4, 5, 6} tickets stays within budget.

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