Ohio Grade 6 Achievement Test for Mathematics – March 2006
Annotated Item 18
Standard and Benchmark Assessed:
Standard:
Benchmark:
Geometry and Spatial Sense
D. Identify, describe and classify types of line pairs, angles, two-dimensional
figures and three-dimensional objects using their properties.
Multiple Choice Question:
18.
Three triangles are shown.
Which is the best description of triangles X, Y and Z?
A. Triangle X is right scalene, triangle Y is acute equilateral, and triangle Z is obtuse
isosceles.
B. Triangle X is obtuse scalene, triangle Y is right equilateral, and triangle Z is acute
isosceles.
C. Triangle X is right isosceles, triangle Y is acute scalene, and triangle Z is obtuse
equilateral.
D. Triangle X is acute equilateral, triangle Y is obtuse isosceles, and triangle Z is right
scalene.
Commentary:
This multiple-choice question asks students to recognize the correct description of three
triangles using their attributes. Triangle X appears to be a right triangle, but also a scalene
triangle since the side lengths appear to be different. Triangle Y is an acute triangle since all the
angles are less than 90°, and also appears to be an equilateral triangle because the lengths of
all the sides appear to be the same. Triangle Z appears to be an obtuse triangle because one
angle appears to be greater than 90° and an isosceles triangle because the two sides adjacent
to the obtuse angle appear to have the same length. Choice A is the correct answer. In answer
choices B and C, only one of the descriptions is correct for each triangle. The descriptions in
answer choice D do not apply to the designated triangle.
The complexity level of this question is Moderate Complexity. This question requires students to
compare statements and interpret visual representations.
Performance Data:
The percent of public school students selecting answer choice A for question 18 on the March
2006 Grade 6 Achievement Test was 69%.
Keywords: geometry, triangles
Source: Ohio Department of Education
July 06