Pre-Algebra

Students are required to attend a math class in their seventh and eighth-grade year. Pre- Algebra is a course that students may take to complete this requirement, based on their math knowledge and skill. The overarching goal for Pre-Algebra is to teach a student “how to think.” They will learn various strategies and apply them to a variety of problems. Specifically, the goals for Pre- Algebra is the following: understand integer operations, rates, ratios, proportions and percentages, both computations and applications.

The student will also be able to solve multi-step equations and use equivalent forms for expressions involving parentheses, like terms, and exponents. Students relate the rate of change, slope, and y-intercept to graphs, tables, and symbolic forms. They explore nonlinear relationships through tables, graphs, and equations. Students continue to use two-dimensional representations to explore three-dimensional relationships. They draw inferences about lengths, areas, and volumes of similar figures. The students use dimensional analysis to convert units within the customary system and metric system. They apply formulas for rectangles, triangles, and trapezoids to find areas of irregular figures. The reasoning is an integral part of a student’s daily work. The goal is to incorporate within each lesson a mix of reasoning, number sense, and error analysis exercises.