Virginia SOL 6.PFA.4.a
The Standard
Given the graph of a linear inequality in one variable on a number line, represent the inequality in two equivalent ways (e.g., x < -5 or -5 > x) using symbols. Symbols include <, >, ≤, ≥.
Virginia Standards of Learning for Mathematics · The student will represent a contextual situation using a linear inequality in one variable with symbols and graphs on a number line.
Teacher's field guide
What This Standard Means
What Students Need to Do
- Students read a graphed inequality by checking the boundary point, circle type, and shading direction. They write two equivalent symbolic forms with the variable on opposite sides.
What Mastery Looks Like
- A student identifies the boundary, inclusion, and shaded direction from a number line. The student writes two equivalent inequalities, such as x ≥ 4 and 4 ≤ x.
Common Misconceptions
- Students may reverse the inequality when the variable moves from one side to the other. They may also confuse open and closed circles or follow the arrow without checking the boundary value.
How to Assess It
- Show a number line with a closed circle at 3 and shading left. Ask students to write two equivalent inequalities, one with the variable on each side.
Lesson moves
Ways to Teach It
Give students string number lines, labeled cards, and arrow strips, then have them build a graph and match two equivalent inequality cards.
Display x < -2 and -2 > x, then ask students to explain in writing why both statements describe the same values.
Play a matching game with sets of three cards: a number line graph and two equivalent symbolic inequalities.
Use a height requirement sign, such as riders must be at least 48 inches tall, and represent it two ways with symbols.
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Printable 6.PFA.4.a Worksheet
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Related Standards
- 6.PFA.4.b
Write a linear inequality in one variable to represent a given constraint or condition in context or given a graph on a number line.
- 6.PFA.4.c
Given a linear inequality in one variable, create a corresponding contextual situation or create a number line graph.
- 6.PFA.4
The student will represent a contextual situation using a linear inequality in one variable with symbols and graphs on a 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.
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