Mathematics Grade 8
Educational Links

Strand: NUMBER SYSTEM (8.NS)

Know that there are numbers that are not rational, and approximate them by rational numbers (Standards 8.NS.1-3).

Standard 8.NS.3

Understand how to perform operations and simplify radicals with emphasis on square roots.

• Approximating pi
  The goal of this task is to explore some important aspects of approximating an irrational number with rational numbers. The irrational number chosen here is pi because it is one of the most interesting, well known, and grade appropriate irrational numbers.
• Calculating and Rounding Numbers
  This task is intended for instructional (rather than assessment) purposes, providing an opportunity to discuss technology as it relates to irrational numbers and calculations in general. The task gives a concrete example where rounding and then multiplying does not yield the same answer as multiplying and then rounding.
• Calculating the square root of 2
  This Illustrative Mathematics task is intended for instructional purposes so that students can become familiar and confident with using a calculator and understanding what it can and cannot do.
• Estimating Square Roots
  The purpose of this task is to have students use the meaning of a square root to find a decimal approximation of a square root of a non-square integer.
• The Number System (8.NS) - 8th Grade Core Guide
  The Utah State Board of Education (USBE) and educators around the state of Utah developed these guides for Mathematics Grade 8 - The Number System.

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http://www.uen.org - in partnership with Utah State Board of Education (USBE) and Utah System of Higher Education (USHE).  Send questions or comments to USBE Specialist - Lindsey  Henderson and see the Mathematics - Secondary website. For general questions about Utah's Core Standards contact the Director - Jennifer  Throndsen.

These materials have been produced by and for the teachers of the State of Utah. Copies of these materials may be freely reproduced for teacher and classroom use. When distributing these materials, credit should be given to Utah State Board of Education. These materials may not be published, in whole or part, or in any other format, without the written permission of the Utah State Board of Education, 250 East 500 South, PO Box 144200, Salt Lake City, Utah 84114-4200.