Sample chapters for download

1. Whole numbers
2. Plane figure geometry

NB: Sample chapters do not have working links.

About the book

This is a thorough revision of our established course for students in Year 8. The content is presented in 24 short chapters, in full colour.

The book caters for a range of student abilities. It contains many problems, graded from basic to advanced. Some exercises are designed to build skills, others contextualise the problem so that students can see the practical, everyday applications of the mathematics they are studying.

Most chapters begin with an Opening Problem to show the application of the mathematics that will be studied in the chapter. Definitions and rules are highlighted and worked examples (with ) give step-by-step, easy-to-follow instructions. Investigations are included to help students develop problem-solving skills and discover mathematical concepts for themselves.

Table of contents

Foreword

This 6th edition is a thorough revision of our established course in mathematics for Year 8 students. The content of this new edition is presented in 24 short chapters, in full colour.

A feature of the 6th edition is our new software on the accompanying CD: click anywhere in any worked example to activate a teacher’s voice which will explain each step in the worked example. The is intended as a help for students who have been absent from classes or for those who need extra revision and practice.

The CD offers exciting possibilities for students and teachers. In addition to the , it contains links to spreadsheets, graphing and geometry software, calculator instructions, computer demonstrations and simulations. Teachers will be able to demonstrate concepts quickly, clearly and simply, and students have the opportunity to revisit the demonstrations and experiment for themselves. (See the note ‘Using the interactive CD’ on the page immediately after this Foreword.)

The book contains many problems from the basic to the advanced, to cater for a range of student abilities and interests. While some of the exercises are designed simply to build skills, every effort has been made to contextualise problems so that students can see everyday uses and practical applications of the mathematics they are studying. Extension problems are marked with red numbers.

An Opening Problem appears at the start of most chapters to offer an insight into the application of the mathematics that will be studied in the chapter. Definitions and rules are highlighted and worked examples provide step-by-step, easy-to-follow instructions. Exercises within each chapter are carefully graded and Investigations are included to assist students to develop their problem solving skills, discover mathematical concepts for themselves and appreciate the applications of mathematics.

We hope the combination of textbook and interactive CD will foster the mathematical education of students in a stimulating way. In this changing world of mathematics education, we believe that the contextual approach adopted in this book, with the associated use of technology, will enhance students’ understanding, knowledge and appreciation of mathematics, and its universal application.

Using the interactive CD

The interactive CD is ideal for independent study.

Students can revisit concepts taught in class and undertake their own revision and practice. The CD also has the text of the book, allowing students to leave the textbook at school and keep the CD at home.

By clicking on the relevant icon, a range of new interactive features can be accessed:

• Self Tutor
• Interactive Links – to spreadsheets, printable worksheets, graphing and geometry software, graphics calculator instructions, computer demonstrations and simulations

Graphics calculators: instructions for using Texas Instruments and Casio calculators graphics calculators are also given on the CD and can be printed. Click on the relevant icon (TI or C) to access printable instructions.

Examples in the textbook are not always given for both types of calculator. Where that occurs, click on the relevant icon to access the instructions for the other type of calculator.

SELF TUTOR is a new exciting feature of this book. The   icon on each worked example denotes an active link on the CD.

Simply ‘click’ on the (or anywhere in the example box) to access the worked example, with a teacher’s voice explaining each step necessary to reach the answer.

Play any line as often as you like. See how the basic processes come alive using movement and colour on the screen.

Ideal for students who have missed lessons or need extra help.