Pre-Algebra ( Powerpoint)

This Pre-Algebra course serves as a bridge between basic arithmetic and high school algebra, introducing students to fundamental mathematical concepts that will be essential for future studies. The course begins by familiarizing students with different types of numbers such as whole numbers, integers, and rational numbers, along with foundational arithmetic operations. Special emphasis is placed on understanding the order of operations (PEMDAS) to solve expressions correctly.

As students progress, they dive into fractions, decimals, and percentages, learning not only how to perform arithmetic operations with these forms but also how to convert between them and apply them in real-world contexts, such as calculating discounts and interest rates. Ratios and proportions further extend these ideas, enabling students to understand relationships between quantities and solve practical problems involving rates and unit conversions.

A key part of the course is introducing variables, expressions, and equations, setting the stage for algebraic thinking. Students learn to evaluate and simplify expressions, solve one-step equations, and explore basic inequalities. The geometry module provides a hands-on understanding of shapes, area, perimeter, and volume, while also teaching students to navigate the coordinate plane for graphing points and simple linear functions.

The course also emphasizes integer operations, reinforcing students’ ability to handle positive and negative numbers with confidence. As they develop these skills, they are introduced to basic graphs and functions, which lay the groundwork for future work in algebra and data analysis.

In addition to numbers and operations, students explore measurement systems, converting between metric and customary units, and applying these skills in problem-solving scenarios. The probability and statistics module introduces students to concepts such as mean, median, and mode, as well as the basics of probability, giving them tools to analyze data and make informed decisions.

Throughout the course, problem-solving strategies are integrated into each module, fostering critical thinking and analytical skills. Students are guided through real-life math applications, such as budgeting or interpreting graphs, to deepen their understanding. Regular assessments, including quizzes, a midterm, and a final exam, ensure that students master each concept before moving on. The course concludes with cumulative practice and real-world problem-solving projects to prepare students for more advanced math.

By the end of the course, students will have a strong foundation in pre-algebra, equipped with the skills and confidence needed to tackle algebraic concepts, geometry, and data analysis in their upcoming academic journey.