In Grade 8 Mathematics, students are generally placed in high school. They knew and know the routines and expectations of the school. This gives them the confidence to show more of their personalities, which can lead to challenging behavior, but it also means teachers can get to know students and classes more individually and build positive working relationships with them.
Although some students start to lose motivation in eighth grade, many are still eager to learn. They have developed their basic math skills and are ready to be challenged with new ideas. They'll love classes that are a little different: applying their skills to real-life situations, playing games, and solving problems.
- What will students learn in eighth grade math?
- Summary of the eighth grade mathematics curriculum.
- What students are likely to struggle with in 8th grade math
- What students can do to help themselves with eighth grade math
- How Adults Can Help Kids With Eighth Grade Math
What will students learn in eighth grade math?
The study of mathematics can be divided into several subcategories. Within the National Curriculum, they are:
- Number
- Algebra
- Ratio, Proportion, and Rates of Change
- Geometry and measurements
- Probability
- Statistics
At the same time, Stage 3 students are expected to have the opportunity to develop their skills in 'mathematical work', which means they must:
- Develop fluency in the number system, the language of algebra, and mathematical terminology.
- Practice your mathematical reasoning; make connections between numerical, algebraic, and graphical representations, deduce mathematical relationships, and construct mathematical proofs or counterexamples.
- Develop your problem solving skills and start modeling problems mathematically.
These skills must be developed and used throughout themath curriculum.
Let's take a look at what a typical eighth grade math student can expect to cover in each of the six categories:
Download a free worksheet resource, with 15 algebra practice problems for students in KS3 and KS4
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Summary of the eighth grade mathematics curriculum.
Although, unlike KS2 mathematics, there is no prescribed syllabus for eighth grade mathematics. The following list of topics and questions is a very representative sample of what is likely to be taught in grade 8.
See also:Teaching Mathematics KS2
number of topics
- Fractions, Decimals, and Percentages
- Place value
- negative numbers
- factors and multiples
- indexes
- standard form
- Rounding
- BIDMAS (order of operations)
sample questions
- Calculate 1 2⁄5 + 3 1⁄2
- Write 0.4 as a fraction
- A t-shirt that costs €20 has a 30% discount. Find the sale price.
- calculate 45x43
- Find the greatest common factor of 12 and 40
- simplify 443
- Write 4500000 in standard form
- Round 7.9813 to 2 decimal places
- Calculate (3+42)2
algebra topics
- Manipulating algebraic expressions
- Expansion and factorization
- solve equations
- using formulas
- sequences
- graphics
- inequalities
sample questions
- Factor 6x+15
- Solve the equation 4(2y-3)=28
- Since v=u+at, find the value of v when u=2, a=5, and t=4
- find the nºterm of the sequence 4, 7, 10, 13,…
- Drawing or graph of y=2x+1
- Write the possible integer values of x when 5x < 10
Topics of ratios, proportions and rates of change
- Reason
- direct proportion
- conversion measures
sample questions
- Split £30 in a 2:3 ratio
- To make 10 cakes, a recipe uses 150 g of flour. How much flour would it take to make 25 cakes?
- 1 pound = $1.20. Convert £300 to $.
Geometry and measurement topics
- area and perimeter
- surface and volume
- Anglos
- Parallel lines
- polygon properties
- transformations
- speed/distance/time
- construction and locations
- aspects
- Congruence
- Theorem of Pythagoras
sample questions
1. Find the area of this trapezoid:

2. Calculate the volume of a cube with a side of 8 cm.
3. Calculate the volume of a cube with a side of 8 cm
4. Calculate the size of an angle in an equilateral triangle.
5. Gary traveled 60 miles in 1.5 hours. Find Gary's average speed.
6. Use a ruler and compass to construct the bisector of this line:

7. The course of A from B is 112o. Find the bearing of B from A.
8. Determine if these triangles are congruent:

9. Find the length of the side labeled x:

probability topics
- theoretical probability
- experimental probability
- Examples of Space Diagrams
- diagram friend
sample questions
- What is the probability of getting a 6 when rolling a dice?
- Two dice are rolled and the totals are added. Draw a sample space diagram to show the possible outcomes.
- We asked 40 students if they like math or science. 20 say math and 7 say math and science. 5 say neither. Draw a Venn diagram to show this information.
Statistics Topics
- data collection
- pie charts
- scatter plot
- Media
sample questions
- Design three questions to find out how much fast food people eat.
- Draw a pie chart to show these data: Soccer 7, Rugby 8, Nem 3
- Find the average of these numbers: 7, 8, 10, 3, 2
It is worth noting that the exact eighth grade math work schedule may vary slightly between schools, as the KS3 National Curriculum lists learning outcomes for all KS3 students, rather than students in a single class. year group. This gives schools some flexibility in deciding when they think it is most appropriate to teach each subject inmath ks3.
What students are likely to struggle with in 8th grade math
As students transition into 8th grade math, a little more is expected of them. They are expected to know the fundamentals of the subject before prolonging it. Some of the things that eighth grade math students may find difficult are discussed below:
Multiplication tables and basic number operations
One thing that holds back many eighth grade math students is the inability to quickly recall basic number facts. This can cause them to get lost during the examples or completing work on other topics, as they get stuck in the calculations. As teachers and parents, we must make it a priority to help our students feel confident with basic arithmetic work. This could include helping them learn the facts or providing methods that allow them to do calculations more easily and in a way they are comfortable with. Regular, short practice sessions can make a real difference here.
using algebra
In grade 8, algebra is still a relatively new idea for many students. While some students love the logic and methodology associated with algebra, other students may panic when they see an algebra question. To help reassure students that algebra is not a daunting subject that they cannot access, we can present algebra topics in a familiar way. For example, we can introduce solving linear equations using function machines, and we can introduce substitution into formulas using word problems.
Definitions and technical vocabulary
As students progress in their mathematical studies, they are expected to understand and use moremath vocabulary. Some of the math terms that students should know in 8th grade math are: factor, multiple, prime number, square number, denominator, numerator, solve, simplify, factor, congruent, similar, mean, median, mode, and range. Students may need to be reminded of these definitions regularly.
Problem solving and reasoning.
Applying what they have learned to a question that is worded differently or requires a different way of thinking can be difficult for many students. It is something that gets easier with practice and is something to be encouraged whenever possible.
making links
Mathematics is often seen as a series of separate subjects when in reality they are all linked. When we use math in real life, we rarely use one skill at a time. For example, when cooking, we may want to scale a recipe. We do this using the ratio. It may be necessary to multiply by a decimal and convert between metric units at the same time. Students often have difficulty making connections between topics and may have difficulty applying a previously mastered skill to another area of mathematics.

What students can do to help themselves with eighth grade math
Throughout high school, students often find it difficult to help themselves in math. We need to teach them how they can work independently and guide them to the appropriate resources for self-study.
Our students are fortunate to have a wealth of information and resources at their fingertips. However, this can be overwhelming. It can be difficult for students to choose a suitable book or website that offers easy-to-understand explanations and practical materials. If we can direct students to 2-3 quality sources, we can empower them to help themselves.
Learning mathematics is a process that includes the following steps:

Since this is how students learn, we need to select resources that provide them with these opportunities.
In Third Space Learning, lessons providing detailed explanations and examples, along with GCSE Maths worksheets specifically designed to increase students' skills and understanding of a subject, can be found in the resources section GCSE Maths.
For students who need additional support, Third Space Learning offersprivate classroomof professional math teachers focused on the needs of each child.
Students should be encouraged to use these sources to help with homework or if there is an aspect of class work that they do not understand.
How Adults Can Help Kids With Eighth Grade Math
normalize math
As adults, it is important that we normalize math for children. This can be done by talking about the math we use when doing a task like cooking, planning a trip, or measuring something. Children often do not see mathematics as something that is used in real life and this can lead to a lack of motivation. Within the math classroom, questions and real life scenarios can be regularly included in lessons to allow students to see the wide variety of applications math has.
Practice basic number operations with your children
As children get older, many are reluctant to practice multiplication tables or other number operations with their parents. However, you can sneak into number practice without it being obvious, learning at home doesn't always mean reciting the multiplication table! For example, you can play card or board games, ask them to cost you your shopping list, or plan a travel schedule and budget.
There are also many fun apps and games available on tablets and phones that kids can enjoy that can help with 8th grade math as well. You know your child, so be sure to choose tasks that are level-appropriate and enjoyable for him.
In the eighth grade math classroom, number operations should be practiced regularly and in a way that allows students to build their skill level and confidence. This will vary for each class and may involve practicing a limited number of skills at one time and gradually introducing new skills.
See more information: Math Games KS3It will give you lots of ideas for math games.
Ask your children to share what they did and to teach
A very effective way to learn and retain information is to teach it to another person. Ask your child what he has been learning in math and suggest that he has forgotten how to do it. Let them play the expert and even put what they've learned to the test.
Remember, however, not to tell them you were 'math rubbish' or 'hated math in school', as this only leads to the belief that struggling with math is normal and accepted. Instead, we want them to feel motivated and believe that we can all improve and learn with the right encouragement and support. In a math class, students might teach each other or create a worksheet for a colleague. Designing questions on a topic requires a good understanding of that topic.
Familiarize yourself with the resources available to your children
If your child's school has a subscription to a particular website or recommends a particular website or book, familiarize yourself with them. That way, you can help them with any difficulties they may have navigating the site. You can also work with resources and tasks together.
In math classes, students should have the opportunity to use these sites with the support of a teacher to ensure they feel comfortable with them. Details of recommended school websites/resources may be shared with parents, and parents are encouraged to refer to them.
As parents and teachers, our common goal is for our children to feel confident and motivated in their math studies. We hope this publication has provided you with some helpful ideas and insights into what your children will be learning and how we can work together to better support them.
If there is a specific topic or area of study that you would like further ideas or support for, please see Third Space Learning's GCSE Maths pages, many of which are also relevant and useful for 8th grade maths students.
See also: 7th grade math at home.,9th grade math
What do eighth grade kids learn in math?
8th graders cover 6 different areas in 8th grade math: Number, Algebra, Ratio and Proportion, Geometry, Probability, and Statistics. They will build on the work they did in Year 7, as well as being introduced to some new concepts. This can include multiplication and division of fractions, standard form, formula rearrangement, probability trees, and averaging a frequency table. The exact work schedule for each grade group will likely vary from school to school.
What is the difference between KS3 math and KS2 math?
Much of the work children do in math KS3 builds on what they learned in KS2. For example, in KS2, students will spend a lot of time learning about the number system, including basic number operations, place value, fractions, decimals, percents, and negative numbers. These abilities are reviewed many times and are developed throughout KS3. The ideas and concepts learned in KS2 form the building blocks of mathematics KS3 and KS4.
Students are also introduced to a number of new concepts and some new mathematical terminology. Students are expected to become more independent with their work, and the pace at which they tackle content will likely be faster.
There is a focus in KS3 on developing students' mathematical thinking and problem solving. Students are challenged to apply their knowledge to increasingly difficult problems and to develop their ability to reason and form arguments. These skills are particularly important for students as they progress towards their GCSEs and throughout their lives.
Do you have students who need extra support in math?
Each week, Third Space Learning's expert math tutors support thousands of students in hundreds of schools with weekly one-on-one online classes andmath interventionsdesigned to fill gaps and drive progress.
Since 2013, we have helped more than 100,000 middle and high school students become more confident and capable mathematicians. Learn more about ourGCSE Mathematics Review Syllabusorequest a personalized budget for your schoolto talk to us about the needs of your school and how we can help.
Ouronline math classesThe program provides each child with their own individual, professional math teacher.
FAQs
What should 8th graders be learning in math? ›
The primary strands for an 8th-grade math curriculum are number sense and operations, algebra, geometry, and spatial sense, measurement, and data analysis and probability. While these math strands might surprise you, they are all critical lessons for an 8th-grade math curriculum.
How to support students with mathematical learning difficulties? ›- Avoid memory overload. ...
- Build retention by providing review within a day or two of the initial learning of difficult skills.
- Provide supervised practice to prevent students from practicing misconceptions and "misrules."
- Build confidence. ...
- Encourage questioning and make space for curiosity. ...
- Emphasize conceptual understanding over procedure. ...
- Provide authentic problems that increase students' drive to engage with math. ...
- Share positive attitudes about math.
Understand and apply numbers, ways of representing numbers, the relationships among numbers, and different number systems. Compare and order real numbers including very large and small integers, and decimals and fractions close to zero. Classify real numbers as rational or irrational.
How can I improve my 8th grade math? ›- Power of the Written Sum. ...
- Focus on What Stumps You. ...
- Practice and More Practice! ...
- Rewind and Refresh. ...
- Be Diligent and Don't Get Nervous. ...
- Try Mnemonics and Games. ...
- Teaching is Often the Best Form of Learning. ...
- Focus on Understanding the Underlying Concepts.
Key 8th grade math skills your child should know by the end of the year: Understanding irrational numbers and comparing them to rational numbers. Using linear equations, linear functions and systems of linear equations to explain relationships between two variables or values.
What is the most effective learning strategy in mathematics? ›Repetition. A simple strategy teachers can use to improve math skills is repetition. By repeating and reviewing previous formulas, lessons, and information, students are better able to comprehend concepts at a faster rate.
What are some strategies that are considered helpful in learning mathematics? ›- Explicit instruction. You can't always jump straight into the fun. ...
- Conceptual understanding. ...
- Using concepts in Math vocabulary. ...
- Cooperative learning strategies. ...
- Meaningful and frequent homework. ...
- Puzzle pieces math instruction. ...
- Verbalize math problems. ...
- Reflection time.