8th

Grade Algebra 1
High Priority Benchmarks and Learning Targets
MCA
Strand

SPPS High Priority

Benchmark

Number &
Operation

8.1.1.2 Compare real

numbers; locate real
numbers on a number
line. Identify the square
root of a positive integer
as an integer, or if it is
not an integer, locate it
as a real number
between two consecutive
positive integers.
8.2.1.1 Understand that a
function is a relationship
between an independent
variable and a dependent
variable in which the
value of the independent
variable determines the
value of the dependent
variable. Use functional
notation, such as f(x), to
represent such
relationships.

Algebra

8.2.1.3 Understand that a

function is linear if it can
be expressed in the form
or if its graph
is a straight line.

8.2.2.1 Represent linear

functions with tables,
verbal descriptions,
symbols, equations and
graphs; translate from
one representation to
another.

8.2.2.2 Identify graphical

properties of linear
functions including
slopes and intercepts.
Know that the slope
equals the rate of
change, and that the yintercept is zero when
the function represents a
proportional relationship.

Learning Targets
a) I can order real numbers.
b) I can locate real numbers on a number line.
c) I can recognize the difference between rational and
irrational numbers.
d) I can identify the square root of perfect square numbers.
e) I can locate the value of a non-perfect square root
between two consecutive integers on a number line.
a) I can identify a function.
b) I can explain the relationships between independent and
dependent variables.
c) I can use functional notation.

a) I can identify a linear function based on the equation.

b) I can identify a linear function based on the graph.
c) I can explain why a function is linear based on the
equation.
d) I can explain why a function is linear based on the
graph.
a) I can represent a linear function with a table of values.
b) I can represent a linear function with an equation.
c) I can represent a linear function with a graph.
d) I can represent a linear function with words.
e) I can translate from any representation to any other.
a) I can recognize a linear function from its graph.
b) I can determine the slope of a linear function from its
graph or two points belonging to that function.
c) I know that slope is a constant rate of change in any
linear relationship.
d) I can determine the x- and y-intercepts of a linear
function.
e) I know that the y-intercept of a line representing a
proportional relationship is zero.

8th Grade Algebra 1

High Priority Benchmarks and Learning Targets

Algebra

MCA
Strand

SPPS High Priority

Benchmark

Learning Targets

8.2.3.1 Evaluate algebraic

expressions, including
expressions containing
radicals and absolute
values, at specified values
of their variables.

a) I can simplify and evaluate an algebraic expression.

b) I can simplify and evaluate radical expressions.
c) I can simplify and evaluate absolute value expressions.

8.2.4.2 Solve multi-step

equations in one variable.
Solve for one variable in a
multi-variable equation in
terms of the other
variables. Justify the steps
by identifying the
properties of equalities
used.

a) I can solve multi-step equations in one variable.

b) I can justify the steps used in solving multi-step
equations.
c) I can solve for one variable in multi-variable equations in
terms of the other variables.

8.2.4.3 Express linear

equations in slopeintercept, point-slope and
standard forms, and
convert between these
forms. Given sufficient
information, find an
equation of a line.

Geometry &
Measurement

8.2.4.7 Represent
relationships in various
contexts using systems of
linear equations. Solve
systems of linear
equations in two variables
symbolically, graphically
and numerically.

8.3.1.1 Use the

Pythagorean Theorem to
solve problems involving
right triangles.

a) I can express a linear equation in slope-intercept form.

b) I can express a linear equation in point-slope form.
c) I can express a linear equation in standard form.
d) I can convert from one form to another.
e) Given sufficient information, I can find the equation of a
line in any form.
a) I can solve systems of linear equations graphically.
b) I can solve systems of linear equations numerically.
c) I can solve systems of linear equations symbolically
using substitution.
d) I can solve systems of linear equations symbolically
using elimination.
e) I can represent relationships as systems of linear
equations.
a) I can use the Pythagorean Theorem and its converse.
b) I can solve problems about right triangles.
c) I can determine what are legs of a right triangle verses
the hypotenuse.
d) I can find the length of the hypotenuse of a right triangle.
e) I can find the length of a leg of a right triangle.

8th Grade Algebra 1

High Priority Benchmarks and Learning Targets
Data Analysis &
Probability

8.4.1.2 Use a line of best

fit to make statements
about approximate rate of
change and to make
predictions about values
not in the original data set.

a) I can use the line of best fit to make a statement about

the rate of change.
b) I can make predictions about data not given using the
rate of change.