School Improvement in Maryland

Sample Assessments: Each sample assessment item gives an idea of how an assessment item on the MSA might be presented. The items appropriately measure the content of the VSC and may be formatted similarly to those appearing on the MSA; however, these are sample items only and have not appeared on any MSA form.

Standard 1.0 Knowledge of Algebra, Patterns, and Functions

Topic B. Expressions, Equations, and Inequalities

Indicator 2. Identify, write, solve, and apply equations and inequalities

Objective b. Find the missing number (unknown) in a number sentence (equation) using operational symbols (+, -, ×, ÷)

Assessment limit: Use one operational symbol (+ or -) and whole numbers (0 – 100)

Selected Response Item

Jose is given the number sentence below.
86 - box = 49

Which number should go in the box to make the number sentence correct?

  1. 37
  2. 43
  3. 135
  4. 145
/share/assessment_items/xml/items/msa_math_3_001.xml

Correct Answer:
A