Pre-Algebra is one of three courses for students not ready for the college preparatory course of Algebra I. Applied Mathematics and General Mathematics are also designed for students not yet ready for Algebra I. Each course can satisfy one of the two units in mathematics required for graduation. A student could take two of these three courses and fulfill the graduation requirement in mathematics. Pre-algebra differs from Applied Mathematics and General Mathematics mainly in the matter of emphasis. Pre-algebra, as its name implies, is a math course emphasizing the basic core goals of General Mathematics but with an emphasis on skills leading to preparation for Algebra I.

In this course problem solving, computation and mathematical applications should be emphasized.

Critical Components

In order to satisfy the state graduation requirement, Pre-algebra should deal significantly with:

· Problem Solving, Logic, Estimation

· Number Systems and Operations in Those Number Systems

· Variables, Functions and Relations

· Graphs

· Probability and Statistics

· Geometry, Measurement

Students will be aware of problem solving strategies and be able to apply such strategies to problems.

Objectives:
Students will

1. Clarify the problem by asking questions.

2. Make and use a drawing or a model.

3. Make a systematic list or table.

4. Break a problem into manageable parts.

5. Look for patterns.

6. Guess and check.

7. Work backwards.

8. Eliminate possibilities.

B. Goal:

Students will demonstrate proficiency in problem solving with the calculator and computer with appropriate answer estimation.

Objectives:
Students will

1. Use the calculator in solving tedious and difficult problems.

2. Use the computer to extend the curriculum to some more realistic and meaningful problems.

3. Estimate and check answers.

C. Goal:

Students will demonstrate their understanding of logic.

Objectives:
Students will

1. Use flow charting and sequential step listing for planning and problem solving.

2. Prove or "show" simple conclusions with deductive reasoning.

A. Goal:

Students will work with whole numbers, integers, rational and irrational numbers.

Objectives:
Students will

1. Determine sum, difference, product and quotient' of whole numbers, fractions and decimal fractions.

2. Compute with percent' ratios and proportions, and their applications.

3. Graph rational numbers, and integers using the number line and other modeling instruments.

4. Define and identify irrational numbers.

5. Compute with irrational numbers.

B. Goal:

Students will be aware of use technology where appropriate in computations with integers and rational numbers.

Objective:
Students will

1. Use a calculator and computer where applicable as a tool to compute with rational numbers and integers.

A. Goal:

Students will use the model of sets to interpret functions.

Objectives:
Students will

1. Define a set and express a set in roster, rule and graph form.

2. Identity a subsets of a set.

3. Determine the union and intersection of two sets.

4. Graph a set of ordered pairs in a plane.

5. Determine the function rule for a set of ordered pairs that represent a function.

6. Substitute values for the variable in first and second degree functions and determine the truth set.

B. Goals:

Students will solve equations.

Objectives:
Students will

1. Translate between grammatical and mathematical phrases and sentences.

2. Determine the solution to equations involving addition and/or subtraction of polynomials.

3. Determine the solution to linear equations involving multiplication of a polynomial.

4. Evaluate an open expression given replacement values.

B. Goal:

Students will manipulate the necessary algebraic symbols to solve problems.

Objectives:
Students will

1. Combine similar algebraic terms.

2. Determine the sum and difference of two polynomials.

3. Determine the product and quotient of two polynomials, a monomial and a binomial, and two binomials.

4. Simplify an expression containing at least three grouping symbols.

5. Apply these algebraic concepts to realistic and specific problems.

Students will use information from graphs, charts, tables and circle graphs.

Objectives:
Students will

1. Read, interpret and draw conclusions from information in table and graph form.

2. Develop a hypothesis, collect appropriate new data, and construct a graph to display the data.

B. Goal:

Students will relate number systems to graphs.

Objectives:
Students will

1. Graph rational numbers on a number line.

2. Graph sets of ordered number pairs in a plane.

3. Graph simple relations and functions.

V. Probability and Statistics

A. Goal:

Students will understand, collect and organize data for predicting.

Objectives:
Students will

1. Collect data and find range, mean, mode and median.

2. collect data and develop tables, charts, graphs and histograms.

3. Use the calculator or computer as a tool in analyzing data.

A. Goal:

Students will apply measurement to common geometric objects.

Objectives:
Students will

1. Determine the area of common geometric shapes and objects.

2. Determine the perimeter of common geometric shapes.

3. Determine the volume of common geometric solids.

4. Know and use the Pythagorean relationship.