School Improvement in Maryland

Using the State Curriculum: Mathematics, Grade 8

Algebra | Geometry | Measurement | Statistics | Probability | Number | Processes

Sample Assessments: Each sample assessment item gives an idea of how an assessment item on the MSA might be presented. The items appropriately measure the content of the State Curriculum and may be formatted similarly to those appearing on the MSA; however, these are sample items only and have not appeared on any MSA form.

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: Highlighted assessment limits will be tested in the no calculator section of MSA.

Selected Response Item
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)
/toolkit/vsc/assessment_items/msa_math_8_002.xml

Correct Answer:
C

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)
Resources for Objective 1.B.1.d:
SAMPLE ASSESSMENTS | Public Release Items |