Virginia SOL 6.PFA.4.b
The Standard
Write a linear inequality in one variable to represent a given constraint or condition in context or given a graph on a number line.
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 translate limits such as “at least,” “more than,” or “no more than” into inequalities with one variable. They also read number line graphs, using the endpoint and shading direction to write the matching inequality.
What Mastery Looks Like
- Students choose a variable, identify the boundary value, and select the correct inequality symbol. They can match the inequality to a number line graph and explain whether the endpoint is included.
Common Misconceptions
- Students often reverse the inequality symbol or match the arrow direction to the symbol without considering the variable. They may confuse “at least” with “more than” and “at most” with “less than.” Open and closed endpoints are also commonly mixed up.
How to Assess It
- Exit ticket: “A backpack may weigh no more than 15 pounds. Let w represent its weight. Write an inequality and graph it.”
Lesson moves
Ways to Teach It
Use floor tape as a number line, then have students stand at values that satisfy a posted inequality card.
Ask students to explain how “at least 12” differs from “more than 12” using symbols and number line sketches.
Play inequality match-up with sets of context cards, symbolic inequalities, and number line graphs.
Use a phone data limit, such as no more than 10 gigabytes, and have students define a variable and write the inequality.
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Printable 6.PFA.4.b Worksheet
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Related Standards
- 6.PFA.4.c
Given a linear inequality in one variable, create a corresponding contextual situation or create a number line graph.
- 7.PFA.4.d
Write one- or two-step linear inequalities in one variable to represent a verbal situation, including those in context.
- 7.PFA.4.c
Represent solutions to one- or two-step linear inequalities in one variable algebraically and graphically using a number line.
- 6.PFA.4.a
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....
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