Unit

#6: Irrational Numbers &

The Pythagorean Theorem

Unit Focus

Our final unit of the school year will focus on the subsets of the Real Number
System. We will differentiate between rational and irrational numbers, and
then learn how to further classify rational numbers into more specific
subsets. We will also spend time working with square and cube roots,
evaluating them and solving equations involving them. We will spend time
learning how to simplify radical expressions, as this will be a foundational
skill for next year in Algebra I. Finally, we will develop the Pythagorean
Theorem, to be used with right triangles. We will learn how to use this
important formula to find missing side lengths of right triangles, and also
how to apply this formula to three-dimensional figures.

Approximate Unit Timeframe

April 25 June 3

Unit Vocabulary

Perfect Square
Perfect Cube
Square Root
Cube Root
Rational Number
Irrational Number
Finite Decimals
Infinite Decimals
Rational Approximation
Volume
Rate of Change
Pythagorean Theorem

Tools of the Trade

We will use the following tools
throughout this unit:

Standards of Mathematical Practice


It is important for your child to remember that they are indeed, a mathematician. The

Standards of Mathematical Practice are habits of mind for mathematicians. They describe

ways in which your child should engage with mathematical subject matter as they grow in

mathematical maturity and expertise.



1. Make Sense of Problems & Persevere in Solving Them

2. Reason Abstractly & Quantitatively

3. Construct Viable Arguments & Critique the Reasoning of Others

4. Model with Mathematics

5. Use Appropriate Tools Strategically

6. Attend to Precision

7. Look For & Make Use of Structure

8. Look For & Express Regularity in Repeated Reasoning




Unit Goals



Following are statements that I will use with your child to gauge their progress throughout

our unit on Irrational Numbers and the Pythagorean Theorem:


I can show that every number has a decimal.
I can use rational approximations of irrational numbers to compare the size of irrational

numbers, locate and plot them approximately on a number line diagram, and then

estimate the value of the expressions.
I can estimate values to compare two or more irrational numbers.
I can use square and cube root symbols to represent solutions to equations of the form x2

= p and x3 = p, where p is a positive rational number.
I can evaluate the square root of a perfect square and the cube root of a perfect cube.
I can understand that 2 is irrational.
I can simplify radical expressions using knowledge of perfect squares.
I can use the Pythagorean Theorem to determine if a given triangle is a right triangle.
I can draw a diagram and use the Pythagorean Theorem to solve real-world problems

involving right triangles.
I can draw a diagram to find right triangles in a three-dimensional figure and use the
Pythagorean Theorem to calculate various dimensions.

I can apply the Pythagorean Theorem to find an unknown side length of a right triangle.
I can apply the Pythagorean Theorem to find the distance between two points in a
coordinate system.




Parent Portal



Check your childs academic progress at https://st-mb.mhric.org/marlboro/

Sample Unit Tasks

Following are a multiple choice and open-ended question that represent the level
of rigor that will be expected of your child throughout this unit.

Multiple Choice











Open-Ended

Parent/Teacher Connection



You can find daily plans, homework assignments, and much more information pertaining

to your childs mathematics class at their teachers website. Be sure to check it often!!