MSTAR Practice Worksheet

Lesson 7-2: Represent Rational Numbers and Their Opposites on the Number Line

Grade 6 Mathematics · Standard 6.NOS.6

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

Which point is located between -1 and -2 on the number line?

A-2.5
B-1.5
C-0.5
D1.5

Question 2Selected response · 1 point

Which fraction is equivalent to 0.25?

A1/4
B1/2
C1/3
D2/5

Question 3Selected response · 1 point

Where is -3/4 located on the number line?

ABetween -3 and -4
BBetween -1 and -2
CBetween 0 and -1
DBetween 0 and 1

Question 4Selected response · 1 point

Which rational number is closest to 0 on the number line?

A-2
B-1/4
C0.5
D1.75

Question 5Selected response · 1 point

Which number is farthest to the LEFT on a number line?

Question 6Selected response · 1 point

What is the opposite of -3/4?

A-3/4
B0
C3/4
D4/3

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

Between which two consecutive integers does −3.5 fall on a number line?

Fill in the bubble next to the one best answer.

A−3 and −2
B3 and 4
C−4 and −3
D−5 and −4

Part B

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

A student says −3.5 is greater than −3 because 3.5 is greater than 3. Why is this reasoning wrong?

A3.5 is not actually greater than 3.
BOn a number line, the further left a number is, the smaller it is, and −3.5 is left of −3.
CNegative numbers cannot be compared.
DDecimals are always smaller than integers.

Question 8Written response · 2 points

Type II Reasoning: Counting the Wrong Direction

Ines plotted −2¼ on a number line. She found −2, then counted one quarter to the RIGHT, landing between −2 and −1.

Explain Ines's misconception and describe where −2¼ actually belongs.

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

Name three different rational numbers between -1 and 0. Write each as both a fraction and a decimal. Explain how you know they are between -1 and 0.

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