Before calculating
- Estimate the expected size of the answer.
- Write the expression you plan to enter.
- Explain why that expression fits the problem.
Make your mathematical thinking visible
Your work tells the math story.
How to Show Work
Strong work helps another student understand what you did, why you did it, and what your answer means. It also helps you find mistakes and review later.
How much work should I show?
| Type of problem | What to show |
|---|---|
| Straight computation | Use the written method taught in the lesson. Show enough calculation to make the process checkable, then include a check when required. |
| Word problem | Show the plan, important calculations, labels, units, and a conclusion that answers the question. |
| Multi-step problem | Separate the stages and label each intermediate result before using it in the next step. |
| Equation | Write one equivalent equation per line and substitute the answer into the original equation to check it. |
| Geometry | Include a useful labeled diagram, the formula, substitution, calculation, and the correct type of units. |
| Written explanation | Explain the important decision or relationship. Include calculations, examples, tables, or diagrams that support it. |
Make the page easy to follow
Organize your work
- Number every problem and keep the assignment order.
- Work downward with one important step on each line.
- Line up place values and equal signs when appropriate.
- Leave space between different problems.
- Keep diagrams beside the work they support.
- Circle or box the final answer.
- Keep the paper flat and readable.
Use words and symbols correctly
Explain the decisions
- Use words to explain why you chose an operation or formula.
- Use symbols for the calculation itself.
- An equal sign means both sides have the same value.
- Define variables before using them.
- Identify what every intermediate answer represents.
- Use complete sentences when the problem asks you to explain.
Good work and needs-improvement examples
Choose an issue to see it
The examples rotate every four seconds. Select any row to view it immediately.
Using a calculator
A calculator can perform a calculation, but it cannot explain your plan. Use one only when it is allowed.
After calculating
- Record important intermediate results.
- Include labels and units.
- Keep full values until the final step.
- Check whether the result is reasonable.
Rounding, money, and fractions
Decimals
Follow the problem's directions first. If no rounding direction is given, round the final decimal answer to two decimal places.
Do not round intermediate values. Use \( \approx \) when a value is rounded.
Money
Write money with two decimal places. For an exact whole-dollar amount, either \( \$8 \) or \( \$8.00 \) is acceptable.
Fractions
Always simplify fractions completely. For example, \( \frac{18}{24}=\frac{3}{4} \).
Diagrams, tables, and graphs
Diagrams
Show the objects or relationships that matter. Label every measurement, point, and unit used in the solution.
Tables
Use clear headings, include units when needed, and keep related values in the correct rows and columns.
Graphs
Label both axes, include units, use a consistent scale, and explain what important features represent.
Strong-work checklist
- I identified what I needed to find.
- My steps are in a logical order.
- I showed the important calculations.
- I explained decisions that calculations do not show.
- I used equal signs only when both sides have the same value.
- I defined any variable I introduced.
- I labeled intermediate results, diagrams, tables, and graphs.
- I included the correct units.
- I kept full calculator values until the final rounding step.
- I followed the stated rounding directions.
- If no direction was given, I rounded the final decimal to two places.
- I wrote money with two decimal places when needed.
- I simplified every fraction completely.
- I checked my answer.
- I clearly answered the original question.
- Another sixth grader could follow my work.
Make your reasoning possible to follow.
Your handwriting does not need to be perfect, and every problem does not need a paragraph. Show the work that helps another student understand the mathematical plan, steps, and conclusion.