How to Do 8th Grade Algebra

Learn eighth grade algebra successfully.

The Clinton Administration created a national goal that by eighth grade, all students complete an algebra course. As of 2008, American eighth-grade students study algebra more than any other math class. Completing algebra in middle school sets up students for more complex math classes in high school and equips them with relevant, lifelong math skills. Learning algebra at first might seem overwhelming, but by following a step-by-step method, eighth graders eventually can use symbols to denote numbers (for example, x=3) and solve for variables with confidence.

Instructions

1. Familiarize yourself with pre-algebra math concepts. These include basic operations (addition, subtraction, multiplication and division), integers, exponents and roots, and order of operations. If you do not feel confident with these math skills, ask for help from a teacher, parent, tutor, friend or on-line tutorial.

2. Get used to the idea of symbols. Algebra is an aspect of mathematics where symbols, usually letters, are used to replace numbers or represent general numbers in a relationship, like a formula. For example, when solving for x in the equation 1+x = 4, x equals 3 (or x represents 3). In the formula to solve the slope of a linear line (y = mx+b), each letter represents a range of possibilities depending on the graph you are working with.

3. Write algebraic expressions or equations based on real-world examples. For example, if you were asked to write an expression representing Lisa's and Colin's total Facebook friends, where Lisa had 348 friends and Colin had "y" friends, the expression would be: total friends = 348 + y.

   Start with basic addition scenarios and then work up to more complicated and detailed subtraction, multiplication and division equations.

4. Simplify an equation by combining terms that are alike. Consider the equation: 5x+3y+2x-4y = 9+6

   In this case, add and subtract all the x values, y values and numbers. The final simplified equation is 7x-1y = 15 OR 7x-y = 15.

5. Solve for the variable. Start with addition and subtraction equations. If you are given an equation 3+b = 9, you could probably figure out in your head that b = 6. Get into the habit of doing even the simplest problems on paper, because as the equations get more complicated, it will be near impossible to figure out the solution mentally.

   Revisiting the basic equation again, 3 + b = 9, try evaluating it on paper in this fashion:
   3+b=9
   3-3+b=9-3
   0+b=9-3
   b=6

   The rule of thumb is whatever you do to one side of the equation, you have to do to the other side (in this case subtracting 3 from each side so you can have only b on one side of the equation). Once you grasp this, you will be able to solve for variables in more complex equations and instances with multiplication and division.

6. Learn continuously. The previous steps are just the beginning to your study of algebra. You can expect to learn many other concepts such as distributive properties, systems of equations, graphing, polynomials and the quadratic education. Make sure you have a high comfort level with each step before proceeding to the next.

References

• The Brookings Institution: "The Misplaced Math Student: Lost in Eighth-Grade Algebra;" Tom Loveless; September 2008
• ConnectEd: "Beginning Pre-Algebra Math Problems for 8th Grade"
• Berkeley: "Learning Algebra;" H. Wu; October 2009
• Math League: "Introduction to Algebra"

Resources

• Read this Article in Spanish
• ConnectEd: "Beginning Pre-Algebra Math"