XSKM 0500D Skills Dev: PreAlgebra

PreAlgebra focuses on the expansion and application of arithmetic skills and the introduction of foundational algebra concepts. Students will apply whole number, fraction and decimal operations to problem solving situations involving percents, proportions, measurement, area and volume of regular and compound shapes, and basic statistics and probability. Additionally, students will model problem situations using the language of algebra and solve simple 1- variable linear equations. Students will also become familiar with the coordinate plane and use tables to graph solutions to 2- variable linear equations. Throughout the course, students will develop problem solving strategies; practice metacognitive skills and error analysis; and practice student habits that enhance success in math.

Credits

45-55 hours

Course Learning Outcomes

Upon successful completion of this course, the student will be able to:
1. Proficiently compute with whole numbers, fractions and decimals while applying order of operations to evaluate and simplify expressions, including expressions involving exponents and square roots, both with and without the use of a scientific calculator
2. Demonstrate understanding of place value and ordering by writing and interpreting statements of inequality, distinguishing statements about absolute value from statements about order, and rounding and estimating with a level of precision appropriate to the context of a real world problem
3. Solve real world problems involving perimeter, area, surface area and volume of regular and compound 2- and 3-dimensional shapes by using informal reasoning and appropriate formulas
4. Analyze patterns in data sets using measures of center and dispersion, interpret visual depictions of data sets (including histograms, line graphs, dot graphs, pie charts and scatterplots), and describe the probability of simple random events
5. Apply proportional reasoning to solve problems involving measurement conversions, percents, and unit rates
6. Write algebraic expressions and equations to represent real world problems and apply appropriate strategies to simplify and solve simple linear equations in one variable
7. Locate points in the coordinate plane and represent linear equations in two variables graphically using an input/output table
8. Demonstrate the ability to effectively communicate about mathematical thinking; analyze errors to identify and correct errors in their work; and self-evaluate problem solving strategies, making adjustments to or replacing ineffective strategies