School Improvement in Maryland
Sample Item Scoring Information Return

Standard 1.0 Knowledge of Algebra, Patterns, and Functions

Topic B. Expressions, Equations, and Inequalities

Indicator 1. Write and evaluate expressions

Objective c. Evaluate numeric expressions using the order of operations

Assessment limit: Use no more than 4 operations (+, -, x, ÷ with no remainders) with or without 1 set of parentheses or a division bar and whole numbers (0-100)
Note: Highlighted assessment limits will be tested in the no calculator section of MSA.

Selected Response (SR) Item
Look at the expression below.

Which expression has a value of 24?

  1. 6 + 2 x 3
  2. 2 x 3 + 6 x 2
  3. 4 (2 + 4)
  4. 3 (7 + 3)
Correct Answer
C. 4 (2 + 4)

Answer Annotation

  1. 6 + 2 x 3 (to get 24, add before multiplying, working left to right)
  2. 2 x 3 + 6 x 2 (to get 24, would work left to right)
  3. 4 (2 + 4) (correct answer)
  4. 3 (7 + 3) (to get 24, did not distribute the factor of 3 to the 3)
/toolkit/vsc/assessment_items/msa_math_6_016.xml