The instructional analysis provides information on the potential the series has for helping students actually learn the concepts and skills it attempts to present. The following indicates how well Mathematics in Context 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. Most Content Use, interpret, and compare numbers in several equivalent forms such as integers, fractions, decimals, and percents. Many applications and uses of fractions, decimals, and percents provide opportunities for skill development and practice with and without a calculator. Exponential notation is used to compare, express, calculate, and recognize the inverse relationship between multiplication and division by powers of ten.
Shapes can match exactly or have the same shape in different sizes.
All ideas of the benchmark are addressed except for the special properties of round shapes. The difference between triangles and quadrilaterals is explored by considering their rigidity. Triangle classification is learned by building a hierarchy of side and angle relationships. The distinction between regular and irregular shapes is developed through the study of symmetry. Similar figures are developed and applied in several settings.