Geometry makes up a large component within the eighth-grade math level in Michigan. In the geometry unit, students learn to solve area, volume and perimeter. Students must learn how to identify complementary, supplementary, vertical, adjacent and congruent angles and find their measures. Students must learn the parts of a circle and how to calculate the area, circumference, diameter and radius. Students learn to identify three-dimensional figures. Eighth-grade students must know how to find the surface area and the volume of prisms, pyramids cones, cylinders and spheres.
Eighth graders in Michigan are expected to simplify expressions that involve rational numbers. They must be able to solve problems using weighted averages, multiple discount variations or percent decrease or increases. They must be able to evaluate variable expressions that involve rational numbers. Students must be able to understand the relationship between zero and negative integers, square roots and cube roots and rational and irrational numbers. Eighth graders must also understand reciprocals and multiplicative inverses.
Eighth-grade Michigan math students must have a familiar knowledge of the Pythagorean Theorem. Students must be able to solve word problems within the theorem during math activities and lessons. Eighth-grade students must perfect the ability to find the length of a hypotenuse and find perimeters. This theorem requires students to name parts of a triangle, know perfect squares and estimate squares by using the Pythagorean Theorem and the converse theorem. Interactive SMART Board Notebook lessons introducing and expanding on the Pythagorean Theorem can be found at SMARTTech Exchange online.
Eighth-grade math students in Michigan learn about linear equations and how to appropriately graph them. The learn how to interpret line graphs, line plots, circle graphs, histograms and tables. Students learn to use the best type of graph for the math situation or problem presented. Eighth-grade students also learn to create line graphs, bar graphs, line plots, frequency charts, circle graphs and circle angles. Students learn to calculate the distance between two points on a graph and they learn to coordinate graphs as maps.