Course Details

Grade 8 Math: "Foundations of Algebra" Course Description

This course is the final, crucial step before high school mathematics. We build a robust foundation for Algebra 1 by exploring the world of functions, irrational numbers, the Pythagorean Theorem, and solving systems of linear equations. This course is designed to empower students with the algebraic thinking and problem-solving skills necessary to excel in their future math courses and STEM fields.

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What We'll Explore:

The Pythagorean Theorem: We'll use this famous theorem (a² + b² = c²) to solve real-world distance problems. For example: "If you walk 3 miles east and then 4 miles north, what is the shortest distance back to your starting point?"

Functions: We'll explore how one quantity depends on another. For example, we'll see how the total cost of a cell phone plan (the output) is a function of the number of gigabytes used (the input).

Irrational Numbers: We'll learn about numbers that can't be written as simple fractions, like π (pi) and the square root of 2, and learn how to estimate their value.

Systems of Equations: We'll solve real-life puzzles with two unknowns. For example: "At a movie theater, 2 adult tickets and 3 child tickets cost $45, while 3 adult tickets and 2 child tickets cost $50. What is the price of one adult ticket and one child ticket?"

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Learning Outcomes

• Understand and work with irrational numbers, such as π and √2.
• Apply the Pythagorean Theorem to find unknown side lengths in right triangles.
• Define, evaluate, and compare functions.
• Use functions to model relationships between quantities.
• Solve linear equations and systems of two linear equations.
• Understand concepts of geometric transformations like rotations, reflections, and translations.