These absolute value worksheets for 6th grade, 7th grade and 8th grade cover opposites and integers practice and absolute value expressions in ten printable Mini Mystery Detective math cases. They're no prep, with an answer key for every case. Use them in math centers, for morning work or homework, or as review before a unit test.
Ten one-page cases build from finding the absolute value of an integer to expressions with decimals, fractions and mixed numbers. Students meeting absolute value for the first time can start at Level 1, and students who need more of a stretch can go straight to the later levels.
What's Inside
- Absolute value of an integer, and the opposite of a number
- Adding and subtracting absolute values, including answers that finish negative
- Simplifying what's inside the bars before taking the absolute value
- Telling the size of a number apart from where it sits on the number line
- Multiplying and dividing with absolute value
- Absolute value with decimals, fractions and mixed numbers in simplest form
- A case notes page that teaches distance from zero on a number line, with worked examples and the mistakes students make most
Ten mysteries to solve, a detective's case log to track the culprits, a certificate for finishing the file, and answer keys for every case.
The Ten Mysteries
The cases are leveled. You can hand out different pages to different students.
- Level 1, Absolute Value Basics - The Flooded Pool Lane, The Muted Band Room
- Level 2, Opposites and Differences - The Wilted Plant Beds, The Jammed Snack Box
- Level 3, Inside the Bars First - The Cracked Art Kiln, The Tangled Bag Rack
- Level 4, Multiples and Multi-Step - The Lost Chess Clock, The Spilled Lab Tray
- Level 5, Decimals and Fractions - The Wiped Class Photo, The Empty Trophy Case
What is a Mini Mystery Detective?
A no-prep detective activity where students solve math problems to cross off suspects and unmask the culprit. Each page is self-checking.
If an answer is wrong, it won't match a suspect, and students can go back and find the mistake.
When to Use This Resource
- Small group work and intervention
- Bell ringers and warm-ups
- Sub plans
- Independent practice after a lesson
- Differentiated practice in a mixed-ability class
Grade Levels
Designed for 6th, 7th and 8th grade math. It also suits advanced 5th graders meeting absolute value early, and high school students who want a refresher before absolute value equations.
Why Teachers Love Mystery Detectives
- No prep needed. Print the pages you want.
- Self-checking
- Five levels of difficulty in one pack
- Black and white pages that print cleanly
- A detective story on every page
Want more cases like these?
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