MSTAR Practice Worksheet

Lesson 7-3: Understand Absolute Value of Rational Numbers

Grade 6 Mathematics · Standard 6.NOS.8

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

What is the absolute value of -9?

Question 2Selected response · 1 point

Which integer has the GREATEST absolute value: -3, 7, -5, 2?

Question 3Selected response · 1 point

What is |0|?

A1
B-1
C0
DThere is no answer

Question 4Selected response · 1 point

What is |−2.5|?

A0
B2.5
C−2.5
D25

Question 5Selected response · 1 point

What is |−3/4|?

A0
B3/4
C−3/4
D4/3

Question 6Selected response · 1 point

Which statement about absolute value is TRUE?

A|-4| = |4| because both are 4 units from zero
B|-4| = -4 because the number is negative
C|-4| = 0 because negatives cancel out
D|4| > |-4| because positive is always bigger

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

What is the value of |−12|?

Fill in the bubble next to the one best answer.

A0
B1/12
C12
D−12

Part B

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

Why can an absolute value never be negative?

ANegative signs cancel out automatically.
BThe bars change every number to a positive.
CAbsolute value always adds the number to itself.
DIt measures distance from zero, and a distance is never negative.

Question 8Written response · 2 points

Type II Reasoning: Bigger Absolute Value, Bigger Number?

Owen compared −8 and −3. He wrote: 'Since |−8| = 8 and |−3| = 3, and 8 > 3, then −8 > −3.'

Explain Owen's misconception and state the correct comparison.

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

A submarine is at -150 meters and a bird is flying at +150 meters. A student says the submarine is closer to sea level because -150 is less than 150. Is the student correct? Explain using absolute value.

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