Goals & Objectives for 7th-Grade Math
Seventh-grade math marks the time when students begin studying advanced concepts in addition to building upon basic functions they already know. Prior to 7th grade, students master addition, subtraction, multiplication and division. In 7th grade, they will be introduced to beginning algebraic equations and inequalities, rational numbers, visual representations of measurements and other concepts as the school year progresses.
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Algebra
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Algebra is a major component of 7th-grade math. For many students, 7th grade is the first year in which they learn algebra. By the end of the school year, students should be able to recognize and compute basic algebraic equations. For example, they should be able to find that the value of x is four in the equation 3x + 2 = 14 and recognize what the equation is asking them to do when they first read it. They should have an understanding of algebraic inequalities, as in the expression 3x + 2 > 14. In this equation, they should be able to find that x must be greater than four to make the equation true, and be able to express their answer using algebraic symbols as x > 4.
Rational Numbers
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Seventh-graders will be introduced to rational numbers and should be able to solve problems using ratios, percentages and proportions. They will recognize which problem-solving strategy, such as using a calculator, computer, pencil and paper, or mental computation, to employ to most effectively answer a question. They will build upon their addition, subtraction, multiplication and division skills, and be able to closely estimate an answer before solving a problem.
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Graphs
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Seventh-graders will learn how to visually express mathematical measurements and expressions using graphs. They will learn about a variety of graph styles, including box plots and histograms, and should be able to select the most appropriate graph for a given problem. They will learn to graph integers and should be able to use graphs with x and y axes to work with positive and negative numbers. Students will use graphs to plot data, including the answers to algebraic equations. For example, using the algebraic inequality 3x + 2 > 14, students will be able to show their answer on a graph by drawing a dotted horizontal line at the number four on the y axis and shading the area above the line to show that all numbers greater than four make the expression true.
Geometry
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Though algebra is the main focus in 7th-grade math, students begin to learn basic geometric shapes, functions and measurements in preparation for future grades' course work. They will be able to identify geometric shapes, such as the right triangle, sphere and cone, and know how to compute each shape's volume and surface area. Students should be able to draw each shape from different angles and identify similar and congruent polygons by comparing their measurements and angles.
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References
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