What does a problem look like?

One or two sentences of plain context, then the variable. For example: the robotics team may spend at most 86 dollars on replacement parts, and x is the amount spent in dollars. The answer is x ≤ 86. Five problems fit on a sheet, and the answer key gives the inequality for each.

Do the problems use fractions?

Some do. A trail distance can be more than 7 1/2 miles, and the key writes that answer as x > 15/2. Others use whole numbers, like a count of tickets or an amount in dollars. Each problem also says which values make sense for the variable, such as nonnegative whole numbers.

Does this sheet ask my child to graph the inequality?

No. This sheet is writing only: read the situation, write the inequality. Graphing on a number line is the parent page, inequalities on a number line. Doing this sheet first helps, because the symbol has to be right before the graph can be. The standard is 6.EE.B.8.

6th grade writing inequalities

6th grade writing inequalities worksheets

Writing inequalities worksheets for 6th grade give your child five short situations in words, each with a variable already named, and ask for one inequality that models it. A shelf holds at most 12 books, so b ≤ 12. The work is in the phrase: at least, at most, more than, less than. Each one maps to a symbol, and the sheet prints that mapping.

Free printable PDF worksheet, aligned to Common Core 6.EE.B.8.

Each print is a different sheet with its own answer key. You don't need to sign up.

The kind of problems you'll get

Write one inequality that models each condition.

A school club needs at least 36 members to reserve the large room. Let x represent the number of members. Write an inequality for x.
Answer: x ≥ 36
A container may hold no more than 24 liters. Let x represent the volume in liters. Write an inequality for x.
Answer: x ≤ 24
The ensemble has fewer than 35 minutes available for its final rehearsal. Let x represent the rehearsal time, measured in minutes. Use nonnegative values for x.
Answer: x < 35

Every print pulls a fresh set of problems at this level, so a make-up test or a second sibling never gets the same sheet.

What's on each sheet

Writing inequalities. Write one inequality that models each condition. 5 problems per page.

Every version prints on US Letter or A4, with its answer key after the problems.

This sheet is one of the versions on the 6th grade inequalities on a number line page, with its own difficulty choices and its own answer key.

How to teach this

Have your child underline the comparison phrase before writing anything. Then ask one question: does the boundary number itself count? At least 48 tickets means 48 is fine, so the symbol is ≥. More than 7 1/2 miles means 7 1/2 is not enough, so it is >. The Remember box on the sheet says exactly this, so point to it rather than re-explaining. The other half of the problem is the variable. Each situation names it, says what it measures, and says which values make sense, such as nonnegative whole numbers for a count of tickets. Have your child read that sentence out loud, since it decides whether the answer is b ≤ 12 or 12 ≤ b. A check that takes ten seconds: pick a number on each side of the boundary and test it against the story.

Watch for: Kids read at most as a strict limit and write < instead of ≤. At most 86 dollars means 86 is allowed. At least and at most both include the boundary; more than and less than leave it out. Kids point the symbol at whatever number they read last, so a shelf that holds at most 12 books becomes 12 ≤ b. Say the sentence with the variable first: the book count is at most 12.

Common questions about 6th grade writing inequalities

What does a problem look like?: One or two sentences of plain context, then the variable. For example: the robotics team may spend at most 86 dollars on replacement parts, and x is the amount spent in dollars. The answer is x ≤ 86. Five problems fit on a sheet, and the answer key gives the inequality for each.
Do the problems use fractions?: Some do. A trail distance can be more than 7 1/2 miles, and the key writes that answer as x > 15/2. Others use whole numbers, like a count of tickets or an amount in dollars. Each problem also says which values make sense for the variable, such as nonnegative whole numbers.
Does this sheet ask my child to graph the inequality?: No. This sheet is writing only: read the situation, write the inequality. Graphing on a number line is the parent page, inequalities on a number line. Doing this sheet first helps, because the symbol has to be right before the graph can be. The standard is 6.EE.B.8.

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Aligned to Common Core 6.EE.B.8. Reviewed by the One more sheet team. Content version 241, updated September 2026.

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