Year 8 Maths
Year 8 maths has most of the topics the same as the previous year but in-depth along with some new topics. In year 8, they start learning the properties of indices and converting a number between standard and index forms. It also deals with positive and negative numbers more this year. Algebra is going to be more advanced this year compared to last year as solving some complex equations and factorization is involved in year 8 maths. Also, in algebra, the relation between an equation and its graph is studied. Let us get a detailed understanding of the year 8 maths curriculum.
Year 8 Maths - Curriculum
Although there is no prescribed curriculum like KS2, here are the topics that most likely be a part of year 8 maths. The segregation of the topics might be different and vary from school to school but the following curriculum would give you a clear idea of what year 8 children are going to learn in their maths subject.
Numbers
- Factors and Multiples
- Rounding and approximating numbers
- Order of operations
- Indices (Exponents)
- Standard and index form of a number
- Operations with negative numbers
Algebra
- Adding and subtracting algebraic expressions
- Distributive property
- Expanding and factorizing
- Solving one-step, two-step, and multi-step equations
- Using algebraic formulas
- nth term of sequences
- Graphing linear equations
- Solving linear inequalities
Ratios and Proportions
- Recap of ratios and percentages
- Understanding rates
- Conversion of rates
- Speed, distance, and time
- Direct and inverse proportions
Geometry
- Recap of lines and angles, and angles by the transversal
- Pythagoras theorem
- Congruence of triangles
- Area of trapezoids and circles
- Surface areas and volumes of 3D shapes
- Polygons and their properties
- Transformations
- Bearings
Probability
Statistics
- Bar charts
- Frequency tables
- Mean, mode, and range
- Comparing data
- Pie charts
- Correlation
- Lines of best fit
Develop Year 8 Maths Skills
Year 8 maths focuses mainly on working practically. i.e., the children should try to solve word problems (real-life math applications). In this stage, they get the primary knowledge of volumes and surface areas, graphing, factorizing algebraic expressions, dealing with data in statistics, and a lot more. The best way to develop year 8 maths skills is to practice more by applying the concepts and visualization. Here are some topics that are new for year 8 students and hence they need to prioritize learning their basics.
Geometry: In geometry of year 8 maths, the surface area and volume of 3D shapes is introduced and the child gets to see lots of formulas that have to be applied to solve real-life problems. Instead of just memorizing the formulas blindly, first, understand the difference between surface area and volume and how to derive the formulas for them based on the 3D shape. This would really help a lot in solving the word problems.
Algebra: Though algebra is introduced in the previous year's maths, it is advanced a little in year 8 and includes operations on algebraic expressions like adding and subtracting them, solving more complex equations involving fractions, graphing linear equations, etc. Also, the concept of inequalities is introduced in year 8. Though the process of solving inequalities is almost the same as that of equations, there are a few rules that have to be kept in mind while solving them.
Statistics: Till last year, the statistics that the child learned was very basic. But in year 8, the concepts extend to drawing the bar charts, making correlations, finding the mean, mode, range, and a lot more. Though statistics is always easier compared to other topics, little patience has to be invested in solving statistics-related questions to get more practice.
Year 8 Maths Tips and Tricks
Some year 8 students still feel like they are very new to topics like geometry and algebra. Here are a few tips that help them.
- Listen to the teacher carefully in class, especially when the teacher is introducing the topic.
- Try to look at the solved examples in your textbook and then solve the same questions on your own.
- Do skill-based questions (word problems).
- Clarify your doubts on a regular basis from your teacher/parent.
FAQs on Year 8 Maths
What are the Topics of Year 8 Maths?
Year 8 maths covers the following topics:
- Numbers: Integers, indices, standard form, and rounding of numbers.
- Algebra: Adding, subtracting, and factoring algebraic expressions, algebraic formulas, general term of the sequence, graphing lines, and solving inequalities.
- Ratio and proportion: Mainly direct and inverse proportions and conversion rates.
- Geometry: Congruence, surface area and volume, polygons, transformations, and bearings.
- Probability: Theoretical and experimental probability, sample space.
- Statistics: Bar charts, mean, mode, range, frequency tables, correlation.
What a Year 8 Maths Student Should Know in Maths in Advance?
A year 8 maths student should be very good with his previous year's math as all the basics of topics of year 8 have already been covered in year 7. i.e., the student should be good with the topics such as angles in parallel lines, properties of triangles, algebraic expressions, and simple algebraic equations.
What Does Algebra in Year 8 Maths Contain?
In year 8 algebra, the student gets to solve more advanced equations (involving fractions, brackets, etc.) involving multiple steps to solve. It also has some algebraic rules that the student has to memorize to solve the problems. In year 8, the student is introduced to graphing lines and also solving simple inequalities using some predefined rules.
Is Geometry of Year 8 Maths Hard?
No, the geometry of year 8 is not hard if a student understands "how" the formulas are derived in it. Then we can easily memorize them and apply them to the word problems.
How to Prepare Year 8 Children in Maths?
Here are some ideas to prepare year 8 children in maths.
- Explain the concept thoroughly before solving the problems.
- Ask questions on the application of concepts.
- Try to use diagrams wherever possible.
- Play math-related games.
- Give them worksheets starting with easy till moderate level until they get used to the concept.
- Give them short assessments on 1 or 2 topics each time in regular intervals.
- Ask them to solve math puzzles so that their brain is active and ready to grasp things.
visual curriculum