School Improvement in Maryland

Sample Item
Selected Response Item for Grade 8

Standard 1.0 Knowledge of Algebra, Patterns, and Functions

Topic B. Expressions, Equations, and Inequalities

Indicator 1. Write, simplify, and evaluate expressions

Objective d. Simplify algebraic expressions by combining like terms

Assessment limit: Use no more than 3 variables with integers (-50 to 50), or proper fractions with denominators as factors of 20 (-20 to 20)

Note: This problem is solved without a calculator.

Look at the expression below.
8 n - 18 + 6 - 5 n

Which expression is equivalent to the given expression?

  1. 3 (n - 12)
  2. 3 (n + 4)
  3. 3 (n - 4)
  4. 3 (n - 8)

Correct Answer
C. 3 (n - 4)
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