What is 8th-grade math?

8th-grade math typically includes Number System,  Linear Equations, Fractions, and Decimals. Students are also introduced to some advanced topics like Pre-Algebra, Algebra I, and Geometry. 8th grade is the third year of middle school. It is also the year of transition and growth.

Wiingy‘s expert 8th-grade math tutors believe that these topics lay the foundation for more advanced concepts and prepare them for high school-level maths.

8th grade serves as a bridge between the foundational concept of middle school math and advanced high school math.

Important 8th-grade math topics are:

• Number System
• Fractions
• Measurements
• Data Analysis
• Probability
• Geometry
• Pre-Algebra

The complete middle school math curriculum can be primarily completed through Advanced, Average, and Basic lesson plans.

To know more about the 8th-grade math curriculum and core subjects, continue reading!

Looking to Learn 8th Grade Math? Book a Free Trial Lesson and match with top 8th Grade Math Tutors for Concepts, Homework help, and Assignment Help!

8th-grade math curriculum

Your 8th-grade math lessons may come under advanced, average, and basic lesson plans. Make sure the course plan you choose aligns with your future academic goals and learning needs.

Accelerated math courses

The accelerated math courses are basically designed for students who plan to take AP tests in high school math. Students who are interested in pursuing careers in STEM might take up this lesson plan. 

In the accelerated 8th-grade math courses, students might complete the Number System, Fractions, Decimals, Geometry, and Pre-Algebra by the end of 7th grade. Hence, students are ready to take up Algebra I in their 8th grade.

According to the 2013 Brown Center Report on American Education, students opting for Algebra I in their 8th grade has tripled between 1990 and 2011. By 2011 around 47% of all 8th grade went for Algebra I or more advanced math.

💫Please read: Is 8th-grade Math Hard? [Facts You Must Know] to analyze difficult 8th-grade math subjects before choosing advanced lesson plans.

Average math courses

The average math courses cover the standard maths concepts. This lesson plan teaches students the skills they need in their academic and professional lives.

In the average 8th-grade math courses, students might learn basic math operations including Ratios, Percentages, Fractions, and Geometry by the end of 7th grade. Hence, students might take Pre-Algebra in their 8th grade.

Basic math courses

The basic math courses are particularly for those students who need more support in math subjects. This lesson plan is generally for those students who are typically slow in learning math concepts. 

In the basic 8th-grade math courses, students cover all the basic math topics like Number Systems, Decimals, Fractions, and Percentages. Students might also take Geometry in this lesson plan.

✍️Please note, that if a student is slow-paced in understanding 8th-grade math, it’s absolutely normal to lag in certain subjects during the academic tenure. However, such students must get additional support and attention from an 8th-grade math tutor, if they want to excel in 8th-grade math and catch up with their peers.

👁️‍🗨️To find the best math resources and worksheets please visit: 8th-grade Math Resources

Core math subjects of 8th grade

8th grade is a crucial stage in a student’s academic period. It prepares students for more high school-level math. The core 8th-grade math curriculum includes:

Numbers and Operations

• Repeating Decimals.
• Square roots and Cube roots.
• Irrational Numbers.
• Approximating Irrational Numbers.
• Exponents with negative bases.
• Negative Exponents.
• Working with powers of 10.
• Scientific notation.

Linear Equations and Functions

• Graphing Proportional Relationships.
• Solutions to Linear Equations.
• Intercepts.
• Slope.
• Intro to slope-intercept form.
• Graphing slope-intercept form.
• Functions.
• Linear Models.
• Comparing Linear Functions.
• Recognizing Functions.
• Linear and Non-Linear Functions.

Systems of Equations

• Intro to System Equations.
• Systems of Equations with Graphing.
• Solving systems with Substitution.
• Number of solutions to systems of equations.

Geometry

• Angles between Intersecting Lines.
• Triangle angles.
• Pythagorean Theorem.
• Pythagorean Theorem applications.
• Pythagorean Theorem and distance between points.
• Pythagorean Theorem proofs.
• Volume.

Geometric Transformations

• Introduction to Transformations
• Translations.
• Rotations.
• Reflections.
• Properties and definitions of Transformations.
• Dilations.
• Congruence and Similarity.

Data and modeling

• Introduction to scatter plots.
• Interpreting scatter plots.
• Estimating lines of best fit.
• Two-way tables.

Pre-Algebra

• Factors and Multiples.
• Patterns.
• Ratios and rates.
• Percentages.
• Exponents intro and order of operations.
• Variables and Expressions.
• Equations and Inequalities.
• Percent and rational numbers.
• Proportional relationships.
• One-step and two-step equations and inequalities.
• Roots, exponents, and scientific notations.
• Functions and linear models.
• System of equations.

Algebra I (only in advanced courses)

• Algebra foundations.
• Solving equations and inequalities.
• Working with units.
• Linear equations and graphs.
• Forms of linear equations.
• System of equations.
• Inequalities.
• Functions.
• Sequences.
• Exponents and radicals.
• Quadratic functions and equations.
• Irrational numbers.

Key 8th-grade math skills you must know by the end of the year

8th grade is an essential period and it teaches a lot which will definitely help in the future. There are some key skills that 8th graders should master by the end of the year.

These are as follows

• Irrational numbers and their comparison to rational numbers.
• Understanding the relationships between two variables or values using Linear Equations and Linear Functions.
• Understand the concept of slopes and intercepts.
• Apply exponents and radicals.
• Understanding of Pythagorean Theorem.
• Calculate the area and perimeter of geometric shapes.
• Calculate the volume of 3-dimensional shapes.

👩‍💻Recommended Reading: What Happens if You Fail in 8th-grade Math Class? [Consequences and Best Solutions]

Key Takeaways

8th grade is a crucial year in a student’s academic journey. It is a time of significant growth and development as students navigate new academic challenges, explore their interests, and prepare for the future.

• 8th grade maths is typically based on the topics that students have learned in their previous grade.
• The 8th-grade math curriculum can be covered through accelerated, average, or basic math courses.
• The core subjects of 8th grade math are number sense and operation, geometry, algebra, data analysis, measurement, and probability. Having a strong hold on these topics will help you prepare for high school math.

8th grade might be a challenging period for students to understand complex topics and their concepts. But always remember that hard work, dedication, and consistency are key to success.

💡To discover the most practical tips and strategies for middle school math please read: 8th-grade Math Tips.

Looking to Learn 8th Grade Math? Book a Free Trial Lesson and match with top 8th Grade Math Tutors for Concepts, Homework help, and Assignment Help!

Frequently Asked Questions