Pre-algebra
 | This article needs additional citations for verification. (October 2014) |
Pre-algebra is a common name for a course in middle school mathematics. In the United States, pre-algebra is usually taught in the 7th grade.[1] The objective of pre-algebra is to prepare the student for the study of algebra.
Pre-algebra includes several broad subjects:
- Review of natural number arithmetic
- New types of numbers such as integers, fractions, decimals and negative numbers
- Factorization of natural numbers
- Properties of operations such as associativity and distributivity
- Simple (integer) roots and powers
- Rules of evaluation of expressions, such as operator precedence and use of parentheses
- Basics of equations, including rules for invariant manipulation of equations
- Understanding of variable manipulation
- Manipulation and arithmetic with the standard 4-quadrant Cartesian coordinate plane
Pre-algebra may include subjects from geometry, especially subjects that further understanding of algebra in applications to area and volume.
References
- ^ In the Introduction to their book on pre-algebra, Szczepanski & Kositsky (2008) say that "the math in this book should match what's taught in many middle school classrooms in California, Florida, New York, Texas, and other states". (p. xix)
- Szczepanski, Amy F.; Kositsky, Andrew P. (2008), The Complete Idiot's Guide to Pre-algebra, Penguin
 | This algebra-related article is a stub. You can help Wikipedia by expanding it. |