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Basic Algebra Shape-Up Series

Math levels 6 - 9
Complete program: 17 Units
Basic Algebra Shape-Up Set 1 (Units 1-7)
Algebraic Approach to Multiplying and Dividing (Unit 1)
Algebraic Approach to Adding and Subtracting (Unit 2)
Formulas for Finding Interest (Unit 3)
Creating Formulas from Tables (Unit 4)
Probability - Making Predictions (Unit 5)
Percent Increase and Decrease (Unit 6)
Using Ratios and Proportions (Unit 7)
Basic Algebra Shape-Up Set 2 (Units 8-17)
Introducing Integers (Unit 8)
Adding Integers (Unit 9)
Subtracting Integers (Unit 10)
Multiplying and Dividing Integers (Unit 11)
Two Step Integer Problems (Unit 12)
Simplifying Algebraic Expressions (Unit 13)
Multiplying and Dividing Monomials (Unit 14)
Evaluating Algebraic Expressions (Unit 15)
Solving Multi-step Equations (Unit 16)
Equations with Grouping Symbols (Unit 17)
For details about each unit, see the Contents section on page 4.
For teaching suggestions, see page 7.
Evaluation version - Set 1: Unit 1
Evaluation version - Set 2: Unit 13
Tracks work for two students.
Windows 98/Me/NT/2000/2003/XP
8 MB RAM, 120 MB hard disk space required
This program requires a minimum screen resolution of 800 by 600 pixels.
The program builds on the skills and concepts in Pre-Algebra Shape-Up. Students further their algebraic
thinking and become confident working with equations. In Set 1, word problems challenge students to
relate familiar situations to formulas and equations. In Set 2, students are introduced to integers,
algebraic expressions, and solving algebraic equations. Each skill is introduced by a step-by-step tutorial
for a sample problem and is concluded by a portfolio in which the student is asked to write a paragraph
explaining the skill. The program contains 800 problems and 2,100 questions.

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Designed for middle school, this program can be used as well by remedial students in 8 and 9 grades
as well as older students. It is useful for mixed level classes. Each lesson is self-directing and selfcorrecting. The computer gives step-by-step help in solving problems.
The program helps students to:
-learn to think algebraically
-understand equations
-break problems into small steps
-learn the relationship between words and numbers
-learn what operations to use
-accelerate rate of learning through constant interaction
Interaction helps:
-see which number to choose
-understand why an answer is correct
-identify where they need help
-clarify their math thinking by using words to express their thoughts and ideas on specific math subjects
-increase their familiarity with common math terminology
The program also helps by:
-introducing students to algebraic subjects by using straightforward language
-providing an opportunity for students to clarify their thinking about math subjects by writing about them
-presenting a step-by-step coach for each type of problem
-giving students immediate feedback
We suggest that students have pencils and paper handy throughout the program. An on screen calculator
is available in the program. Teachers may turn it off. See the TPM section of this guide.
A diagnostic test at the beginning of each unit lets the student assess his skills. The diagnostic ends
when a student misses a question.
Following the unit tutorial, students do a round of sequential questions that reinforces the concepts
presented in the tutorial. They will be asked in step-by-step fashion, to answer questions about the
following: the EVIDENCE (numbers needed to solve the problem; the STRATEGY (words that indicate
the method to use to find the answer; the OPERATION (the mathematical method to arrive at the answer
to the problem); the MATHEMATICAL RELATIONSHIPS (the ideas needed to understand how to solve
the problem) and the SOLUTION (the answer to the problem). Students will then clarify their thinking
about these math subjects by WRITING PARAGRAPHS about them.
Each lesson is self-directing and self-correcting. Students receive graphic rewards. Following each round
on the summary screen is a Print option, which generates a progress-to-date report. Student scores are
kept in a management system that allows teachers to view and print reports.
For logging on instructions, see the Logging on and Class Management section of this guide.
Versions are available for stand-alone, network, or home use.
PROGRAM DESCRIPTION
Each unit of the program contains four Main Menu parts: Tryout, Warm-up, Workout, and Finals.
Summary screens follow each round of each part of the Main Menu. The Print option shows the student's
progress to date, not just the results of an individual round.
TRYOUT: The Tryout helps the student find the right problems to work on. Because the Tryout helps to
assess the student's skills, he does not get any sounds or graphic rewards until he has completed it. The
bar at the bottom of the screen will show how much of the Tryout has been completed. When the student
has finished, a summary screen will show how he did. Stars show the number of problems passed. A

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check shows that the student has done an excellent job. 'Print' will show how he did in a progress-to-date
report.
WARM-UP: The student will have a chance to practice one skill per round. A step-by-step coach shows
the student how to do a sample problem. When answering questions the student may easily refer to the
coach at any time. The numbered steps in the coach match the numbered steps in the questions. Sounds
and graphic rewards are available.
Students need to get 70% in each of three problems in order to pass a round. After the student has
passed a round he is given a writing portfolio question relating to the topic he has just been working on.
He is asked to write a paragraph to share his thoughts and ideas about the topic. His work will
automatically be saved and printed as part of his end of round summary.
There are three different writing questions for each topic. A student who needs additional writing practice
on a particular topic may return to the Warm-up. By repeating the Warm-up, a student will be able to try
additional writing questions. Starting a Warm-up topic again will reset his score for that topic.
The scores shown on the screen are only for the current round. 'Print' will show how the student did in the
current round as well as his progress to date.
WORKOUT: The student will need to play at least 4 rounds to pass the Workout. There will be a mixed
practice of skills in each round. He gets a star for each problem passed. When he accumulates enough
stars, he gets a check. The bar at the bottom of the screen first shows how far along the student is in the
Workout and then indicates how far along he is in the round he is doing.
At the end of each round the student will see a star for each problem passed. Red stars show the
problems passed for the current round. In the next round these will change to gray, and there will be new
red stars for the most recently passed problems. The scores shown on the screen are only for this round.
'Print' will show how the student did in this round as well as his progress to date.
Note: both the Warm-up and Workout will stop students who miss either step 1 or step 2 from continuing.
If its not the last problem in the round, they will be given a new problem instead. Teachers who observe
students having repeated difficulty with step 1 or step 2 may wish to refer them back to the coach.
FINALS: The student will be tested on the same skills but with some different problems from those used
in the Tryout. The bar at the bottom of the screen will show how much of the Finals have been completed.
When the student has finished, a summary screen will show how he did. Stars show the number of
problems passed in each pool. A check shows that the student has done an excellent job. 'Print' will show
how he did in all the parts of the program.
Targeted Workout (follows the Finals): If the student has NOT passed one or more skills in the Finals,
he is prompted to do this optional exercise and then repeat the Finals.
LOGGING ON AND CLASS MANAGEMENT
There are two options for adding student names to the record database.
Teacher controlled appropriate for most schools. Names added with the Teacher Program Manager
(TPM) Set Up Student Names functions. See the Teacher Program Manager section of the guide.

Student controlled for home users and mature students. Names added at the Logon Screen.

The program opens to a Logon screen with all previously entered class codes and student names.
Students must select their class code in order to see the list of students in their class. They then click on
their name to begin the program. If the program is in student controlled mode and students are logging on
for the first time, they select their class code, click the New Student icon, and fill in their name on the form
that appears on the screen.

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The evaluation version of the program permits entry of only two student names. When a third name is
entered, the first one will be deleted. The stand-alone version for one station contains record keeping for
42 students. Other school versions permit entry of as many names as disk space allows. When disk
space is filled, the name that was entered first will be deleted.
SCORING
Students may print out their scores at the end of round progress-to-date screen. Teachers may view
detailed scoring in the Teacher Program Manager.
TEACHER PROGRAM MANAGER
All Merit Software applications utilize a centralized student record keeping/management system utility
program called Teacher Program Manager (TPM). For more information about class management,
scoring, and other program features see the Teacher Program Manager manual. It can be printed out
from a Merit Software CD or from this link on the Internet:
http://meritsoftware.com/Teacher_Program_Manager.pdf
Here are the program features the teacher may customize for students using the Program options menu
in the TPM.
1. Hide/Show Sound
2. Hide/Show Graphics
3. Control which program parts are active
CONTENTS OF BASIC ALGEBRA SHAPE-UP SERIES
UNIT 1
Algebraic Approach to Multiplying and Dividing
Algebraic approach to multiplication word problems
Introducing algebraic approach to solving simple word problems. Using variables and structuring
equations
Algebraic approach to division word problems
Introducing algebraic approach to solving simple word problems. Using variables and structuring
equations
UNIT 2
Algebraic Approach to Adding and Subtracting
Algebraic approach to addition word problems
Introducing algebraic approach to solving simple word problems. Using variables and structuring
equations
Algebraic approach to subtraction word problems
Introducing algebraic approach to solving simple word problems. Using variables and structuring
equations
UNIT 3
Formulas for Finding Interest
Formulas interest earned and interest paid
Simple interest-word problems for learning I=PRT formula, using decimals to replace percent
amounts, solving for variable using formula
Formulas total balance or total owed (simple interest)
Simple interest-application of I=PRT formula in word problems, using decimals to replace percent
amounts, adding principle, solving for variable using formula

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UNIT 4
Creating Formulas from Tables
Creating Formulas from tables - A
Understanding tables - Finding data and structuring
Creating formulas from tables - B
Understanding tables - Finding data and structuring
UNIT 5
Probability - Making Predictions
Using proportions to make predictions
Word Problems: solving for larger amount based on sample amount by making proportions
through setting up ratios, translating word problems into equations
Predicting the number of successful outcomes
Probability: word problems setting up ratios based on chance-spinners, dice, coin toss, translating
word problems into equations
UNIT 6
Percent Increase and Decrease
Using proportions to find percent of increase
Proportions: introduction to increase and decrease in word problems, translating word problems
into equations
Using proportions to find percent of decrease
Proportions: introduction to increase and decrease in word problems, translating word problems
into equations
UNIT 7
Using Ratios and Proportions
Using proportions to solve scale drawing problems
Proportions: scales on maps, relationship between models to actual lengths, using proportion to
structure equations
Using proportions to find measurements of similar shapes
Ratios and Proportion Word Problems: measurement of triangles and rectangular shapes, using
proportion to structure equations
UNIT 8
Introducing Integers
Locating numbers on a number line
Integers-Using number lines to locate numbers, identifying like and unlike signs
Counting on a number line
Integers-Using number lines to locate numbers, identifying like and unlike signs, relating number
lines to equations
UNIT 9
Adding Integers
Adding integers with like signs
Introduction to sum of absolute values, combining like-signed integers, seeing the problem as an
equation
Adding integers with unlike signs
Absolute value, sum of unlike-signed integers, seeing the problem as an equation
UNIT 10
Subtracting Integers
Subtracting integers on number line
How integers with like and unlike signs are subtracted, seeing the problem as an equation
Subtracting integers by using addition

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How integers with like and unlike signs are subtracted, seeing the problem as an equation
UNIT 11
Multiplying and Dividing Integers
Multiplying integers
How integers with like and unlike signs are multiplied, examining parts of an equation
Dividing integers
How integers with like and unlike signs are divided, examining parts of an equation
UNIT 12
Two Step Integer Problems
Solving two-step problems - Multiplying and dividing
Introducing order of operations for integer problems, deciding how to solve an equation
Solving two-step problems - adding and subtracting
Introducing order of operations for integer problems, deciding how to solve an equation
Two step problems - addition, subtraction, multiplication, division
Mixed practice order of operations for integer problems, deciding how to solve an equation
UNIT 13
Simplifying Algebraic Expressions
Simplifying expressions with like terms
Understanding algebraic terms, arranging terms by descending power of exponents, recognizing
like terms, combining like terms
Removing grouping symbols from expressions
How to simplify expressions by distributing
UNIT 14
Multiplying and Dividing Monomials
Multiplying monomials
How to multiply monomials that contain exponents
Dividing monomials
How to divide monomials that contain exponents, negative exponents
UNIT 15
Evaluating Algebraic Expressions
Evaluating expressions - A
Replacing variables with numbers, following the order of operations
Evaluating Expressions - B
Evaluating expressions that contain parentheses, replacing variables with numbers, following the
order of operations
Evaluating expressions - C
Evaluating expressions that contain exponents, replacing variables, following the order of
operations
UNIT 16
Solving Multi-step Equations
How to solve equations using two or more operations
Explaining systematic approach to solving multi-step equations
Solving equations using two or more operations
Practice following systematic approach to solving multi-step equations
UNIT 17
Solving Equations with Parentheses
How to solve equations that contain parentheses
Explaining systematic approach to solving equations that contain parentheses
Solving equations that contain parentheses
Practice following systematic approach to solving equations that contain parentheses.

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SUGGESTIONS FOR USING THIS PROGRAM

For best results we recommend that students use the program 20 to 30 minutes a session, two to three
times a week, for six to eight weeks in conjunction with other methods of instruction. Program usage
should be paced to allow students sufficient time between sessions to absorb the material.
Start out with Merits Tryouts to see where students need math help most.
Discuss problem areas with students.
Supplement Merit software with workbooks so students have a chance to practice skills in a variety of
contexts.
Return to the software; have students try Merit Warm-up and/or Workout sections.
Follow up each software session by asking students what new things they have learned. What new
questions do they have?
Follow up each session by having students keep a list of important math words and phrases they have
learned. Ask students to work in small groups, explaining their math terms to other students.
Have students print scores received for completing software Warm-up and Workout sections. Later,
discuss these scores with students. Are they pleased with their progress? What seems easier to them?
What needs more practice?
Relate math skills being practiced with Basic Algebra Shape Up to material in the classroom.
Practice integer problems by taping a very large number line to the floor. Give students a simple integer
problem and ask them to work in pairs, writing out the steps for solving the problem. Next, have all
students gather in a circle, with one student volunteer standing at zero. Finally, ask other students to
take turns telling the student how many strides to take, and in which direction, in order to solve the
problem.
Practice integer problems by having students work in pairs. Give each pair a problem from a text and the
steps for solving their problem in a mixed-up order. Next, ask each pair to sort out the right order. Then
have them write sentences explaining what is going on in every step. Finally, have them share their
conclusions with other students.
Practice algebraic word and/or formula problems by having students work in pairs. Give each pair a word
problem from a text. Ask students to list phrases from the problem indicating the strategy needed to find
the answer. Next, have them list what operation(s) and equation(s) are needed to solve the problem.
Finally, have each pair solve the problem and share what they did with other students.
Practice proportion problems by having students observe their surroundings, i.e., compare the length of a
desk with the length of a wall, the diagonal of a book with the diagonal of a room, a diagram of the school
with the actual size of the school.
Return to the software and let students try Merits Finals, to help prepare for and de-mystify standardized
tests.
Follow up software units with written post-tests.
Compare students software results with gains in standardized test scores.
Merit Software
copyright 2007

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