Absolute Value Analysis Guide
TEKS 6.2(B) Item Analysis Supporting Standard • Grade 6 Math
Historical Released Test Synthesis
Absolute Value Tested Values & Diagnostic Set
Historical number pattern analysis from released STAAR tests and four target whole numbers designed to diagnose student misconceptions.
1. Historical Values & Misconception Analysis (2018–2025)
Data Source: lead4ward 6.2(B)
2024 Q8 (Number Line) 41% State
Tested Values: -25, -20, 0, 20
Key Finding: Question asked for greatest absolute value. Correct was -25 (Point P). The top distractor was +20 (Point T).
Trap: Students confused greatest algebraic value with greatest absolute value.
2023 Q29 (Drag & Drop) 31% Full
Tested Values: -25, -5, 5, 25
Key Finding: Evaluated $|5|, |-25|, |25|, |-5|$. 62% earned partial credit, often claiming $|-25| = -25$ or mixing opposites.
Trap: Believing absolute value changes sign or can yield negative values.
2018 Q3 & 2025 Q18 68% State
Tested Values: 53, -53 (2018) | 6.28 (2025)
Key Finding: Tested definitions of opposite vs. absolute value. Highly chosen errors asserted $|x|$ is negative.
Takeaway: Tests focus on 2-digit whole numbers and signs within [-30, 30].
2. Four Recommended Target Values: -28, 22, -15, 8
Aligned to 2024 Q8 Distractor Blueprint
| Value | Absolute Value | Assessment Role | Student Misconception Diagnosed |
|---|
| -28 | | -28 | = 28 |
| 22 | | 22 | = 22 |
| -15 | | -15 | = 15 |
| 8 | | 8 | = 8 |
Student Quick Check
STAAR Formatted Diagnostic Task
Name: ______________________ Date: ____________
Four numbers are plotted on the integer number line below:
-30
A (-28)
-20
C (-15)
-10
0
D (8)
10
20
B (22)
Which number represents the value with the greatest absolute value?
A -28
B 22
C -15
D 8
Justification: Explain why your choice has the greatest absolute value using distance from zero:
Teacher Instruction Note (lead4ward IQ Analysis Insight):
When assessing absolute value, always include a positive value with high magnitude (such as 22) alongside a negative value with higher magnitude (such as -28). This immediately reveals whether students understand that absolute value measures pure distance from zero rather than position to the right on the number line.
