I am Mrs. Welles and am delighted to be teaching Mathematics at Mystic Middle School. Pre-Algebra and Algebra I are offered in the 8th grade, and both are exciting courses that connect real-life scenarios with Mathematical concepts.
Homework is assigned most nights, is checked for effort and completeness, and should take no more than one-half hour. It is important to complete homework so you understand what was discussed in the prior classes and you are prepared for what is to come in subsequent classes. If homework is passed in on the day it is due a score between 0 and 100% is recorded. Late homework must be passed in within 3 school days for partial credit.
Synopsis of Pre-Algebra Curriculum
- Subtraction, addition, multiplication, division of positive and negative numbers
- Rational and irrational numbers
- Compound interest
- Squares and square roots
- Scientific notation
- Order of operations
- Combining like terms in algebraic expressions, solving for an unknown
- Measurement and estimating measurement
- Use of the coordinate plane, coordinates, vertices of polygons
- Geometric transformations (reflections, rotations and translations) and symmetry
- Right triangles, Pythagorean Theorem
- Ratios, proportions, percentages
- Fractions, mixed numbers, decimals, and percentages in equivalent forms
- Slope, intercepts
- Linear and non-linear relationships, evaluation of linear equations and systems
- Box-and-whiskers plot, Stem-and-leaf plot, scatter plots, histograms, bar graphs,
- Lines of best fit
- Permutations and combinations, tree diagrams, probability theory
- Scale factors
- Perimeter, surface area, and volume of geometric shapes
- Commutative, associative, distributive properties
- Equivalent fractions, reduction of fractions to lowest terms.
- Presentation of statistical data, mean, median, mode, range, and significance of quartiles, sample sizes
- Similar polygons, proportions, ratios
- Graphing on a Cartesian plane
- Inequalities, especially with fractions and negatives
- Use of exponents with fractions and negatives. Exponential growth and decay.
- Subtraction, addition, multiplication, division of fractions
- Cross reduction of fractions
- Solving quadratic equations
Algebra 1 is not recommended unless complete mastery of the above topics is first attained. The topics above are necessary for success in Algebra 1 and for CMT, CAPT, and PSAT testing.
Synopsis of Algebra 1 Curriculum
- Order of Operations
- Inequalities
- Addition, subtraction, multiplication and division of positives, negatives and fractions
- Matrices
- The Distributive Property
- Rates and ratios
- Solving linear equations
- Solving literal equations
- Constructing scatter plots
- Graphing linear and non-linear equations
- Graphing and solving absolute value equations
- Evaluation of various forms of linear equations
- Determining lines of best fit
- Solving linear inequalities
- Solving compound inequalities
- Solving absolute value inequalities
- Solving systems of linear equations
- Properties of exponents and variables
- Exponential growth and decay
- The Pythagorean Theorem
- Solving and graphing quadratic equations
- Adding, subtracting, multiplying and dividing polynomials
- Factoring polynomials
Algebra 1 in 8th grade is recommended only for those students committed to working at a rigorous level with a strong commitment of time and effort. The vast majority of students should take Pre-Algebra in 8th grade.
Welcome to 8th grade Mathematics. You are guaranteed a challenging learning experience and much enjoyment.
