6.EE.B.6: Variables in word problems

Also written as 6.EE.6

Use variables to represent numbers and write expressions when solving a real-world or mathematical problem; understand that a variable can represent an unknown number, or, depending on the purpose at hand, any number in a specified set.

In plain words: Students let a letter stand for an unknown number, or for any number in a set, and write expressions to model a real situation.

Quick picks

Common mistake
Reversing "less than": writing 5 less than y as 5 − y instead of y − 5.
Builds on
6.EE.A.2Expressions with variables
Leads to
6.EE.B.7One-step equations6.EE.C.9Dependent and independent variables7.EE.B.4Two-step equations and inequalities
Example Problems
Write an expression for:
Write an expression for:
"Twice y"
Write an expression for:
3 times z
Khan Academy Resources
Model with one-step equationsModel with one-step equations and solveTranslate one-step equations and solveWhat is a variable?Variables, expressions, & equationsModeling with one-step equations
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