In middle school, you’ll continue to build on the skills you learned in elementary school, but you’ll start to tackle more complicated problems and concepts. Middle school math is a little bit different than elementary school. The most important thing to remember is that the math you’re doing now is designed to prepare you for high school and beyond.
Most of your math instruction will be in core classes like algebra, geometry, and statistics. You’ll also have some math electives like computer science or business math.
Middle school students will learn about a wide range of subjects in math. The content will depend on the grade level and state or district, but there are some common topics that you can expect to see.
The topics covered in middle school math include:
Geometry – Geometry is the study of shapes and spatial relationships. You will learn about congruence (two figures are congruent if they have exactly the same shape), similarity (two figures are similar if they have the same angles but different overall sizes), angles and their measure, triangles, quadrilaterals (squares and rectangles), polygons and their properties, circles and their properties, three-dimensional objects such as cubes or pyramids (known as polyhedra), parallel lines and transversals.
Addition – Adding two or more numbers together is a basic skill taught in middle school. Students will learn how to add two-digit numbers together, as well as three-digit numbers. Students also learn how to add mixed numbers (numbers with a whole number and a fraction), such as 3 1/2 plus 4 3/4.
Subtraction – Subtraction is another basic skill that students learn in middle school. You will need to know how to subtract two-digit numbers from one another, as well as three-digit numbers from one another. You will learn how to subtract mixed numbers from one another (those with a whole number and a fraction). For example, you could be asked how much 3 1/2 minus 4 3/4 equals.
Multiplication– Multiplication is an important part of middle school math because it teaches you how many ways, they can combine two or more things together to get something else — often referred as solving “times tables”.
Variables – In middle school, you will begin learning about variables, algebraic equations and functions. You’ll also learn about quadratic equations, which are used to find the roots of polynomials. In addition to these topics, you will start learning the basics of geometry and trigonometry.
You may be expected to memorize facts and formulas for use later in your studies. This can include information on ratios, proportions and percentages. Also, you’ll need to know how to divide fractions as well as use scientific notation with numbers expressed in exponential form.
Middle school math courses often include homework assignments that require you to practice what you’ve learned in class by completing problems that require you to apply mathematical knowledge and reasoning skills in real-world situations. These assignments help students prepare for standardized tests such as SATs (Scholastic Aptitude Tests) or ACTs (American College Testing).
Measurement & data analysis. This topic covers how to measure length using rulers and other tools such as calculators or computers; how to measure weight using scales; how to measure temperature using thermometers; how to calculate averages; how to calculate proportions and rates of change over time; and what it means for two quantities to be equal (or not).
Statistics & probability. This topic examines how statistics is used in everyday life; how statistics can be used to compare two groups or populations; how statistics can help us answer questions about data collected from surveys
Problem Solving – You’ll learn to solve problems using a variety of methods, including modelling, reasoning and mental computation. You will also learn to recognize when there is no solution to a problem, as well as when a solution is not appropriate given certain conditions.
Connections -you may be asked to make connections between different topics within mathematics, between mathematics and other disciplines such as science and technology, and between mathematics and real-world contexts.
Communication – you will be shown how to communicate effectively your mathematical thinking through words, symbols and drawings as well as orally for more complex concepts.
Measurement (length, area, volume) – Measurement is the process of figuring out how big or small something is. It’s also the process of finding out how many units there are in a given space, such as a square foot or an acre. In middle school, kids learn about the different types of measurement — length, area and volume — and how to use them to solve problems.
I hope this outline has helped you understand how your math classes are structured and that you have a better idea of what to expect as you begin middle school. Math can be an interesting even if it is a bit challenging at times. remember, if you find there are particular types of problems that you struggle on, try to seek help from a tutor, teacher, or parent.