MSTAR Practice Worksheet

Lesson 6-4: Write and Evaluate Numerical Expressions with Exponents

Grade 6 Mathematics · Standard 6.AT.6c

Name: Date:

These are MSTAR-style questions written for this curriculum to rehearse the format. They are not official Maryland assessment items. MSTAR — Maryland's new state test, first given in spring 2027 — uses the same kinds of questions you see here: selected response, select-all, two-part evidence questions, and written responses.

Part A — Skills Check

Warm up with the lesson's core skills — one best answer each.

Question 1Selected response · 1 point

Evaluate 3 + 4 × 2.

Question 2Selected response · 1 point

What does 2³ mean?

A2 × 2 × 2
B2 × 3
C2 + 2 + 2
D3 × 3

Question 3Selected response · 1 point

Sofia buys 4 tickets at $20 each and 2 tickets at $15 each. Which expression shows the total?

A4 × 20 + 2 × 15
B4 + 20 + 2 + 15
C(4 + 2) × (20 + 15)
D4 × 2 + 20 × 15

Question 4Selected response · 1 point

Evaluate 5² + 3.

Question 5Selected response · 1 point

What is the total of 2 × 15 + 4 × 20 + 8 × 2³?

A126
B174
C158
D1,392

Question 6Selected response · 1 point

Miguel evaluates 12 − 2 × 3 and gets 30. Margaret gets 6. Who is right?

AMiguel, because he worked left to right
BBoth are right
CNeither is right
DMargaret, because multiplication comes before subtraction

Part B — Test-Format Questions

These match the state test's formats: two-part questions, select-all, and written responses.

Question 7Two-part question

Part A

Evaluate the numerical expression 3 × 4² − 8.

Fill in the bubble next to the one best answer.

A16
B24
C40
D136

Part B

Answer Part A before Part B — Part B asks about your reasoning.

Which reasoning shows why your answer to Part A is correct?

AMultiply 3 × 4 first, then square the product: 12² = 144, and 144 − 8 = 136.
BEvaluate the power first: 4² = 16. Then multiply: 3 × 16 = 48. Then subtract: 48 − 8 = 40.
CRead 4² as 4 × 2 = 8, then multiply 3 × 8 = 24 and subtract: 24 − 8 = 16.
DSubtract first because 16 and 8 are next to each other: 16 − 8 = 8, then 3 × 8 = 24.

Question 8Written response · 2 points

Type II Reasoning: Subtracting Too Soon

Devon evaluated 20 − 2 × 3². His work was: 3² = 9, then 20 − 2 = 18, then 18 × 9 = 162. He wrote that the value of the expression is 162.

Explain Devon's misconception and give the correct value of the expression.

Write your answer in complete sentences. Show or explain your mathematical thinking.

Part C — Show Your Thinking

Answer in writing, the way the state test's constructed responses work.

Question 9Written response · 2 points

Seven friends split the bill for a pizza party. They order 4 pizzas at 3² dollars each, plus a one-time $6 delivery fee. Write ONE numerical expression for what each friend owes, evaluate it, and explain why the grouping symbols matter.

Write your answer in complete sentences. Show or explain your mathematical thinking.