Can you recommend a resource for Algebra I/II word problems for a jr high student?

[LittleHouseHomeschool]

Hi everyone,

 

I am considering the idea of using a text for Algebra called, "Elementary Algebra for College Students," by Allen Angel for my middle school student. The clarity of teaching in this book is excellent. However, the word problems are all more adult in nature - mortgage rates, health insurance issues, global economy, etc...

 

Does anyone know of a resource that has word problems only...on a variety of Algebra I and II topics? My thought is to just replace the book's problems with problems that are more appropriate for my student. He'll be thirteen when he uses the text.

 

Thanks for any suggestions!

[krstbrwn]

Critical Thinking Company has a word problem book for Algebra 1 and Algebra 2.

Kristi

[LittleHouseHomeschool]

Critical Thinking Company has a word problem book for Algebra 1 and Algebra 2.

Kristi

 

Great suggestion! Thank you...I always forget about Critical Thinking Company even though I use several of their products!:tongue_smilie:

 

I appreciate your reply.

[krstbrwn]

No problem;).

Kristi

[LoriM]

However, the word problems are all more adult in nature - mortgage rates, health insurance issues, global economy, etc...

 

 

Most middle school and high school texts contain classic problems on interest rates, sales tax, and global population growth, etc. Even if you find other problems, the examples you cite are presented in nearly every text (and probably too young for them to be relevant IME). Don't toss out the baby with the bath water.

 

Now, I'm all for finding additional word problems, and using more than one text as a resource for a 6-8th grade student...but some of those problems you've mentioned can evoke the best conversations, and give kids a truer picture of where math will impact their adult life. Sticking to problems that calculate area of a rectangle or volume of a cylinder for too long are exactly why many people leave math saying, "When will I ever use what I learned?"

 

I'm reading an excellent mathematical biography of Lewis Carroll right now, and it's fabulous to see the kinds of problems he encountered in texts he used as a young student. They were all "real" and "adult" in nature...and by necessity, calculated by hand. :)

 

HTH,

 

Lori

[LittleHouseHomeschool]

Most middle school and high school texts contain classic problems on interest rates, sales tax, and global population growth, etc. Even if you find other problems, the examples you cite are presented in nearly every text (and probably too young for them to be relevant IME). Don't toss out the baby with the bath water.

 

Now, I'm all for finding additional word problems, and using more than one text as a resource for a 6-8th grade student...but some of those problems you've mentioned can evoke the best conversations, and give kids a truer picture of where math will impact their adult life. Sticking to problems that calculate area of a rectangle or volume of a cylinder for too long are exactly why many people leave math saying, "When will I ever use what I learned?"

 

I'm reading an excellent mathematical biography of Lewis Carroll right now, and it's fabulous to see the kinds of problems he encountered in texts he used as a young student. They were all "real" and "adult" in nature...and by necessity, calculated by hand. :)

 

HTH,

 

Lori

 

This is an excellent point. After pondering this today, I think you are right. Thanks for sharing, Lori.