Geometry is a key area that grade eight match focuses on. Students will be introduced to angles and will be asked to measure and calculate them using Pythagoras' Theorem, as well as classify triangles and quadrilaterals. Finding the area, perimeter, surface area and volume of a variety of shapes is also discussed in eighth grade. Students will learn to measure the radius and diameter of a circle and should also discuss polygons.
Integers are also introduced in grade eight. Students will learn to add, subtract, multiply and divide integers through exercises and word problems. A good way to explain integers to your child is to frame them in the real life situation of debt. For example if Susan owes Tom $10 and then she pays him $4, how much does she still owe him?
Determining the difference between rational and irrational numbers is another key concept often covered in the eighth grade. Children will practice adding, subtracting, multiplying and dividing rational numbers, as well as understanding their reciprocals through equations and word problems.
Linear functions are another key concept introduced to eighth grade students. Understanding the basic relationship between the x-axis and y-axis provides the foundation for more advanced mathematics. Students will be asked to identify points on a graph, in terms of their values on both the x- and y-axis.
Grade eight mathematics continues to cover, and expand upon, a wide range of topics introduced to students in previous grades. Teachers will likely expand on different forms of measurement, understanding percentages, sequence patterning, basic probability and statistics, consumer mathematics and roots and exponents.