Eighth-Grade Common Core Math

Eighth-grade Common Core Math is a critical juncture in your child's educational journey, as math concepts become more intricate and sophisticated. In this article, we'll explore the prerequisites for eighth grade, the skills they will acquire in eighth grade, and examples of math problems they may see in class.

Prerequisites of Eighth-Grade Common Core Math

To prepare for eighth-grade Common Core Math, your child should have a strong foundation in the following skills:

• Advanced Arithmetic: Proficiency in addition, subtraction, multiplication, and division with all types of rational numbers, and using proportions to solve problems.
• Algebra Basics: A solid understanding of algebraic concepts, including variables, equations, and basic algebraic operations.
• Geometry Fundamentals: A good understanding of the relationships between angles, and using formulas to calculate geometric measurements.
• Data Analysis Proficiency: Familiarity with data analysis, including reading and interpreting graphs, and understanding central tendencies.
• Probability Basics: Using probability models and formulas to calculate the probability of an event.

Eighth-Grade Common Core Math Goals

In Grade 8, students continue to work with rational numbers and begin to learn about irrational numbers. They also learn about simultaneous equations and functions. Geometry concepts include similarity, congruence, and applications of the Pythagorean Theorem.

Number Sense

• Identifying and estimating the values of irrational numbers

Expressions and Equations

• Understanding and applying exponent properties to simplify expressions
• Using square roots and cube roots to solve problems
• Writing numbers as powers of 10 and in scientific notation
• Understanding the connections between proportions and linear relationships
• Analyzing and solving linear equations and systems of linear equations

Functions

• Evaluating and comparing functions
• Using functions to model the relationship between variables

Geometry

• Understanding and using the properties of similar and congruent shapes
• Proving and applying the Pythagorean Theorem 
• Solving problems involving the volume of cylinders, cones, and spheres

Statistics

• Using scatter plots and linear equations to solve problems involving data with two variables

Examples of Eighth-Grade Common Core Math Problems

The following activities represent examples of what your child might work on in class. They can be used to assess how well your child understands the skill, or just for fun!

Understand and Estimate Irrational Numbers

• Approximating Pi
• Calculating and Rounding Numbers
• Calculating the Square Root of 2
• Estimating Square Roots
• Identifying Rational Numbers
• Converting Decimal Representations of Rational Numbers to Fraction Representations
• Converting Repeating Decimals to Fractions
• Comparing Rational and Irrational Numbers
• Irrational Numbers on the Number Line
• Placing a Square Root on the Number Line

Work with Radicals and Integer Concepts

• Ants vs Humans
• Extending the Definitions of Exponents 1
• Raising to the Zero and Negative Powers
• Ant and Elephant
• Orders of Magnitude
• Choosing Appropriate Units
• Giantburgers

Understand the Relationships Between Proportional Relationships, Lines, and Linear Equations

• DVD Profits 1
• Equations of Lines
• Find the Change
• Folding a Square into Thirds
• Proportional Relationships, Lines, and Linear Equations
• Stuffing Envelopes
• Coffee by the Pound
• Comparing Speeds in Graphs and Equations
• Peaches and Plums
• Sore Throats
• Who Has the Best Job?
• Slopes Between Points on a Line

Analyze and Solve Linear Equations and Pairs of Simultaneous Linear Equations

• Two Lines
• Coupon vs Discount
• Sammy's Chipmunk and Squirrel Observations
• Solving Equations
• The Sign of Solutions
• Cell Phone Plans
• Fixing the Furnace
• How Many Solutions?
• Kimi and Jordan
• The Intersection of Two Lines
• Quinoa Pasta 1
• Summer Swimming

Define, Evaluate, and Compare Functions

• Introducing Functions
• Foxes and Rabbits
• Function Rules
• The Customers
• US Garbage 1
• Battery Charging
• Introduction to Linear Functions

Use Functions to Model Relationships Between Quantities

• Heart Rate Monitoring
• Modeling with a Linear Function
• Baseball Cards
• Chicken and Steak 1
• Chicken and Steak 2
• Distance Across the Channel
• Downhill
• High School Graduation
• Video Streaming
• Bike Race
• Distance
• Riding by the Library
• Tides

Understand Congruence and Similarity Using Different Methods

• A Scaled Curve
• Is This a Rectangle?
• Partitioning a Hexagon
• Reflecting a Rectangle Over a Diagonal
• Same Size, Same Shape?
• Origami Silver Rectangle
• Reflections, Rotations, and Translations
• Circle Sandwich
• Congruent Rectangles
• Congruent Segments
• Congruent Triangles
• Creating Similar Triangles
• Cutting a Rectangle Into Two Congruent Triangles
• Triangle Congruence with Coordinates
• Effects of Dilations on Length, Area, and Angles
• Point Reflection
• Reflecting Reflections
• Are They Similar?
• Different Areas?
• A Triangle's Interior Angles
• Congruence of Alternate Interior Angles via Rotations
• Find the Angle
• Finding the Missing Angle
• Rigid Motions and Congruent Angles
• Similar Triangles 1
• Similar Triangles 2
• Street Intersections
• Tile Patterns 1: Octagons and Squares
• Tile Patterns 2: Hexagons

Understand and Apply the Pythagorean Theorem

• Applying the Pythagorean Theorem in a Mathematical Context
• A Rectangle in the Coordinate Plane
• Bird and Dog Race
• Sizing Up Squares
• Converse of the Pythagorean Theorem
• Area of a Trapezoid
• Areas of Geometric Shapes with the Same Perimeter
• Points from Directions
• Running on the Football Field
• Spiderbox
• Two Triangles' Area
• Finding Isosceles Triangles
• Finding the Distance Between Points

Solve Problems Involving Volume of Cylinders, Cones, and Spheres

• Comparing Snow Cones
• Flower Vases
• Glasses
• Shipping Rolled Oats

Investigate Patterns of Association in Two-Variable Data

• Animal Brains
• Birds' Eggs
• Handspan and Height
• Texting and Grades
• Laptop Battery Charge
• Music and Sports
• What's Your Favorite Subject?

By understanding the progression of math education and actively engaging in creative activities with your child, you can support their growth and learning. Math can be an exciting adventure, and with your guidance, your child will continue to build a strong mathematical foundation for their academic future.