Montana Math MT.6.EE.4
The Standard
Understand how to solve an equation or inequality as a process by using substitution to determine whether a given number in a specified set makes an equation or inequality true.
2026 Montana Mathematics Content Standards
Teacher's field guide
What This Standard Means
What Students Need to Do
- Students replace the letter with each number in a given set. They calculate both sides to see which numbers make the equation or inequality true.
What Mastery Looks Like
- A student tests every number in the set and lists only those that work. They show the calculation and can explain why a number on the boundary does not work for < or >.
Common Misconceptions
- Students may ignore the given set or make mistakes with order of operations. They may include a number that makes both sides equal when the sign is < or >.
How to Assess It
- Give students this exit ticket: From {0, 2, 4, 6}, which values make 2x + 1 = 9 true, and which make 2x + 1 < 9 true? Show each substitution.
Lesson moves
Ways to Teach It
Give pairs number cards 0 through 4 and the statement 3x + 1 ≤ 7; have them substitute each card and sort true from false.
Ask, "Why does x = 4 work for 2x + 1 ≥ 9 but not for 2x + 1 > 9?" Have students show both checks.
Play a true-or-false relay: teams test each value in {0, 1, 2, 3} for x + 5 < 7 and defend their list.
Post a $12 ticket price and a $30 budget; students test whether buying 0, 1, 2, or 3 tickets fits 12t ≤ 30.
Free download
Printable MT.6.EE.4 Worksheet
A ready-to-print activity worksheet aligned to MT.6.EE.4, 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 worksheetKeep exploring
Related Standards
- MT.1.OA.9
Determine the unknown number in an addition or subtraction equation relating to three numbers.
- MT.1.OA.8
Understand the meaning of the equal sign and determine if equations are true or false.
- MT.6.EE.5
Write expressions when solving problems in context and understand that a variable can represent an unknown number, or any number in a specified set.
- MT.7.EE.3
Write and solve one- and two-step equations including problems in context with rational numbers, convert between forms as appropriate, and assess the reasonable...
Turn this exact standard into a lesson
Grade, subject, topic, and the complete standard are prefilled. Create one free, no account needed.
Also for this standard:Make a WorksheetMake a QuizMake a Sub Lesson