Virginia SOL 6.CE.2.c
The Standard
Simplify an expression that contains absolute value bars | | and an operation with two integers (e.g., –|5 – 8| or |−12| 8 ) and represent the result on a number line.
Virginia Standards of Learning for Mathematics · The student will estimate, demonstrate, solve, and justify solutions to problems using operations with integers, including those in context.
Teacher's field guide
What This Standard Means
What Students Need to Do
- Students perform the integer operation inside absolute value bars, then find the distance of that result from zero. They apply any negative sign outside the bars and plot the final value on a number line.
What Mastery Looks Like
- Students correctly complete the operation inside the bars, find its absolute value, and apply any sign outside the bars. They plot the final signed value at the correct point on a number line.
Common Misconceptions
- Students may treat absolute value bars like parentheses or assume every result must be positive. They may move a negative sign outside the bars inside the expression, or plot the distance from zero instead of the signed result.
How to Assess It
- Exit ticket: Simplify −|−6 + 2|, explain each step, and mark the result on a number line from −6 to 6.
Lesson moves
Ways to Teach It
Build |−3 + 7| with integer chips, simplify it, then place the result on a floor number line.
Compare −|5 − 8| and |−5 − 8|, then write why their values differ.
Play expression match by pairing absolute value expression cards with answer cards and number line cards.
Model a bank balance change with −|12 − 20|, then explain what the final negative value means in context.
Free download
Printable 6.CE.2.c Worksheet
A ready-to-print activity worksheet aligned to 6.CE.2.c, 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
- 7.PFA.2.a
Use the order of operations and apply the properties of real numbers to simplify numerical expressions. Exponents are limited to 1, 2, 3, or 4 and bases are lim...
- 8.PFA.5.b
Represent solutions to inequalities algebraically and graphically using a number line.
- 6.NS.2.d
Identify and describe the absolute value of an integer as the distance from zero on the number line.
- 7.PFA.4.c
Represent solutions to one- or two-step linear inequalities in one variable algebraically and graphically using a number line.
Turn this exact standard into a lesson
Grade, subject, topic, and the complete standard are prefilled. Create one free, no account needed.