NORTH ALLEGHENY SCHOOL DISTRICT
MATHEMATICS DEPARTMENT
ACADEMIC PRE-ALGEBRA
3073
Course Length: Full Year (184 days)
Academic Pre-Algebra Syllabus
Pre-Requisites
Placement into the Academic Pre-Algebra course is determined by a five fold
system compiling the following information: the student’s grade average in the previous
course, the student’s work attributes, the student’s scores on standardized tests, and the
student’s score on the placement test.
Course Overview
In Pre- Algebra, students develop the concepts needed to prepare for Algebra 1.
The Pre-Algebra curriculum provides a strong foundation in algebra while also preparing
students for future study in areas of geometry, probability, and data analysis. The
curriculum has a strong focus on algebraic concepts and reasoning, solving of equations
and inequalities, and geometry.
Textbook
McDougal Littell Pre-Algebra. Evanston: McDougal Littell, 2005.
Course Outline
The following topics are covered in Academic Pre-Algebra:
Chapter 1:
Variables, Expressions, and Integers
 Expressions and Variables
 Powers and Exponents
 Order of Operations
 Basic Operations with Integers
 The Coordinate Plane
Chapter 2:
Solving Equations
 Properties and Operations
 The Distributive Property
 Simplifying Variable Expressions
 Variables and Equations
 Solving Equations with Basic Operations
Chapter 3:
Multi-Step Equations and Inequalities
 Solving Multi-Step Equations and Inequalities Using Basic Operations
 Solving Equations Having Like Terms and Parentheses
 Solving Equations with Variables on Both Sides
Chapter 4:
Factors, Fractions, and Exponents
 Factors and Prime Factorization
 Greatest Common Factor and Least Common Multiple
 Rules of Exponents
 Negative and Zero Exponents
 Scientific Notation
Chapter 5:
Rational Numbers and Equations
 Rational Numbers
 Adding and Subtracting Like and Unlike Fractions
 Multiplying and Dividing Fractions
 Using Multiplicative Inverses to Solve Equations
Chapter 6:
Ratios, Proportions, and Probability
 Ratios and Rates
 Writing and Solving Proportions
 Similar and Congruent Figures
 Probability and Odds
 Scale Drawings
Chapter 7:
Percents
 Percents, Fractions, Proportions, and Decimals
 The Percent Equation
 Percent of Change
 Percent of Application
Chapter 10:
Measurement, Area, and Volume
 Triangles, Polygons, and Quadrilaterals
 Areas of Parallelograms and Trapezoids
 Circumference and Area of a Circle
 Surface Area of Prisms and Cylinders
 Volume of Prisms and Cylinders
Chapter 11:
Data Analysis and Probability
 Stem-and-Leaf Plots and Histograms
 Box-and-Whisker Plots
 Using Data Displays
 Collecting and Interpreting Data
Chapter 8:
Linear Functions
 Relations and Functions
 Linear Equations in Two Variables
 Slope, Intercepts, and Slope Intercept Form
 Writing Linear Equations
 Systems of Linear Equations
Chapter 9:
Real Numbers and Right Triangles
 Square Roots
 Pythagorean Theorem
 Real Numbers
Chapter 13:
Angle Relationships and Transformations
 Angle Relationships
 Angles and Parallel Lines
 Angles and Polygons
 Translations
 Reflections, Rotations, and Symmetry
Expected Levels of Student Achievement
Report Card grades are determined by considering all pertinent factors including
but not limited to: test, quizzes, homework, class work, participation, and are given in
accordance with the school’s grading scale. Appropriate allowances will be made for
those students with special needs.
Homework is an important component of a mathematics course, for it gives
practice in applying the procedures and techniques learned in the classroom. It is
expected that all students will complete all homework assignments as assigned.
Students are expected to demonstrate appropriate study, behavioral, and
organizational skills. For these reasons, it is expected that all students will: keep a
notebook, participate in all classroom activities, and contribute to classroom discussions
on a regular basis.
Technology
Technology will be integrated through the use of scientific calculators (TI30XIIS) and www.classzone.com, the on-line component of the textbook used for this
course.
Standard Test Preparation
The curriculum also prepares students for standardized tests while meeting
Pennsylvania state standards and eligible content. This includes the Pennsylvania
Standards of Numbers and Operations, Measurement, Geometry, Algebraic Concepts,
and Data Analysis and Probability. Eligible content may be viewed at
www.pde.state.pa.us.
Pre-Requisites for next course
Placement into the next mathematics course is determined by a five fold system
compiling the following information: the student’s grade average in the current course,
the student’s work attributes, the student’s scores on standardized tests, and the student’s
score on the placement test.