Montana Math MT.6.EE.3
The Standard
Apply the properties of operations including the distributive property, to generate equivalent expressions and determine when two expressions are equivalent.
2026 Montana Mathematics Content Standards
Teacher's field guide
What This Standard Means
What Students Need to Do
- Students move and group terms, distribute multiplication, and combine like terms to rewrite expressions. They decide whether two expressions have the same value for every value of the variable.
What Mastery Looks Like
- A student rewrites 3(x+4)+2x as 5x+12 and shows each step. They explain why the steps keep the value the same for any x.
Common Misconceptions
- Students may write 3(x+4) as 3x+4, multiplying only the first term. They may combine 2x+3 as 5x or think changing the order of terms changes the value.
How to Assess It
- Ask students to decide whether 2(3x+4)+x and 7x+8 are equivalent. Have them show the steps that support their answer.
Lesson moves
Ways to Teach It
Give pairs algebra tiles to build three groups of x+2, then rearrange the tiles to show 3x+6.
Ask, 'Are 4(x+2) and 4x+2 equal for every x?' Have students write a counterexample and explain the missed multiplication.
Give pairs cards labeled 2(x+3), 2x+6, 3(x+2), and 3x+6; have them match equivalent expressions and name the rule used.
Price three snack bags, each with an x-dollar sandwich and a $2 drink; compare 3(x+2) with 3x+6 on a receipt.
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Printable MT.6.EE.3 Worksheet
A ready-to-print activity worksheet aligned to MT.6.EE.3, with an answer key for the teacher on its own page. No account needed.
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Related Standards
- MT.7.EE.1
Use properties of operations to add, subtract, factor, and expand linear expressions with rational coefficients and generate equivalent expressions.
- MT.3.OA.5
Apply the commutative property of multiplication, associative property of multiplication, and distributive property of multiplication over addition on whole num...
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