General Information
Test Item Specifications
Students will identify the next step needed to solve a linear equation.
Students will use different strategies, including working backwards, to solve problems that can be represented as a one- or two-step linear equation.
Items involving finding a solution should be limited to a variable on one side of the equation.
Items identifying formulating an equation for a situation may involve two variables.
Items may not exceed two (of the four) operations in one linear equation.
Items may not include irrational coefficients.
Items should be set in a real-world or mathematical context.
Items may include equations, graphs, tables, or real-world situations.
Negative grids will be used in this benchmark.
Sample Test Items (2)
| Test Item # | Question | Difficulty | Type |
| Sample Item 1 | 
|
N/A | MC: Multiple Choice |
| Sample Item 2 | When Eric became a member of an exercise gym, he paid a one-time fee of $250. He then had to pay $79.95 per month. So far, Eric has paid a total of $969.55, not including tax. What is the number of months for which Eric paid? | N/A | GR: Gridded-Response |
Related Resources
Educational Game
| Name | Description |
| Timed Algebra Quiz | In this timed activity, students solve linear equations (one- and two-step) or quadratic equations of varying difficulty depending on the initial conditions they select. This activity allows students to practice solving equations while the activity records their score, so they can track their progress. This activity includes supplemental materials, including background information about the topics covered, a description of how to use the application, and exploration questions for use with the java applet. |
Tutorials
| Name | Description |
| Solving Equations With the Variable on Both Sides. | This video models solving equations in one variable with variables on both sides of the equal sign. |
| Solving Equations with One Variable | This Khan Academy presentation models solving two-step equations with one variable. |
| Simple Equations | Introduction to solving one variable multiplication equations of the form px = q. |
Student Resources
Educational Game
| Name | Description |
| Timed Algebra Quiz: | In this timed activity, students solve linear equations (one- and two-step) or quadratic equations of varying difficulty depending on the initial conditions they select. This activity allows students to practice solving equations while the activity records their score, so they can track their progress. This activity includes supplemental materials, including background information about the topics covered, a description of how to use the application, and exploration questions for use with the java applet. |
Tutorials
| Name | Description |
| Solving Equations With the Variable on Both Sides.: | This video models solving equations in one variable with variables on both sides of the equal sign. |
| Solving Equations with One Variable : | This Khan Academy presentation models solving two-step equations with one variable. |
| Simple Equations: | Introduction to solving one variable multiplication equations of the form px = q. |
Parent Resources
Tutorials
| Name | Description |
| Solving Equations With the Variable on Both Sides.: | This video models solving equations in one variable with variables on both sides of the equal sign. |
| Simple Equations: | Introduction to solving one variable multiplication equations of the form px = q. |