The following indicates how well Mathematics Plus attempts to address the substance, breadth, and sophistication of the ideas contained in each of the six mathematics benchmarks that were selected for the analysis. Mathematics Plus covers all parts of the benchmark through definition, examples, demonstrations and practice exercises. Most Content Use, interpret, and compare numbers in several equivalent forms such as integers, fractions, decimals, and percents. Exercises and examples cover the use, interpretation, and comparison of all forms of these numbers, with greater emphasis on these areas in grade 8. Particularly in grades 7 and 8, students explore integers in activities that involve comparing and ordering integers and representing numbers in expanded form, scientific notation, powers, and roots.
Shapes can match exactly or have the same shape in different sizes.
Although there is no reference to the special properties of round shapes, all other parts of this benchmark are addressed at all three grade levels. For the most part, the level of sophistication develops appropriately from grade 6 through grade 8, as students examine properties of shapes. Lessons explore basic characteristics of many figures, including squares, rectangles, triangles, and circles, as well as properties of solid figures. Most Content Calculate the circumferences and areas of rectangles, triangles, and circles, and the volumes of rectangular solids. The geometry skills benchmark is addressed through written definitions that introduce area, volume, and circumference of figures and shapes, along with the application of their respective formulas.