8th Grade
NFS Curriculum Update :: May & June 2016
ENGLISH
LATIN
MATH
On Level
The mathematicians just finished up the polynomials unit and began investigating the behavior of quadratic functions. Students will look at how the factored form of polynomials assimilates with the roots of the equation. Students will solve quadratic equations by completing the square, graphing, factoring and using the quadratic formula. Also, students will identify the axis of symmetry and find the maximum or minimum value corresponding with the highest and lowest value. In knowing how to use the discriminant, students will know how many x-intercepts the equation should have. Students will then simplify radical expressions and equations, leaving them in factored form. The year will end with comparing and contrasting the graphs of rational, radical and square roots functions to its respective parent functions.
Advanced
Students will continue solving quadratic equations and learn how to use the discriminant to determine the number of solutions. Next, analysts will solve systems of linear and quadratic equations having one, two or no solutions, scaffolding on previous knowledge of linear systems. Eighth graders will simplify radical expressions and perform operations, using the multiplication and division properties of square roots and recognizing a single quantity can be represented in many different expressions. Building on previous knowledge of functions, the investigators will also look at how square root and absolute value functions can be graphed by plotting ordered pairs or using translations of the respective parent functions. Also scaffolding on solving equations and inequalities, students will be solving radical equations and inequalities by squaring both sides of the equation and testing the solutions. Finally, similar to radical functions, students will simplify, graph and solve rational expressions, equations, and functions.