Montana Math MT.6.EE.5

Math6th GradeExpressions and Equations

The Standard

Write expressions when solving problems in context and understand that a variable can represent an unknown number, or any number in a specified set.

2026 Montana Mathematics Content Standards

Teacher's field guide

What Students Need to Do: Students write an expression for a situation, such as s + 3 for three more than s stickers. They explain when a letter stands for one unknown number and when it can take any value from a given set.
What Mastery Looks Like: A student writes 4 + n for a bag with n marbles plus four more. If n can be any whole number from 1 to 6, they can name the allowed values and explain how the total changes.
Common Misconceptions: Students may write n = 4 when asked for an expression, or write 4n when the story says four more than n. They may think n must stand for one fixed number, even when the problem allows several values.
How to Assess It: Exit ticket: A bag has n marbles, where n can be any whole number from 1 to 6. Write an expression for the marbles after adding four, and list two possible values of n.

Lesson moves

Put counters in a covered cup, then add three visible counters; have students write an expression for the total.
Ask: “Can n mean 2 today and 5 tomorrow?” Have students explain using a bag of n marbles.
Show short story cards, such as “five less than a number”; students match each card to an expression card.
Give students a parking sign showing a $3 entry fee plus $2 per hour; ask them to write the cost for h hours.

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