ISA 9th Grade Math Performance Assessment
Algebra
Spring 2010
Researchers from Teachers College, Columbia University and the Institute for
Student Achievement (ISA) are working with your school to learn about how
students in the ISA schools are improving in math and writing.
It is important to try your best on this assessment. The scores from this
assessment will be used by your school to help improve its math instruction.
Look through the entire test before beginning. You may work on the problems in
any order you like. You may use a calculator on this test.
When we score your test, we will award full and partial credit based on the work
you show. Please make sure to show all your work on the test itself.
You should have plenty of time to complete the test. Your teacher will tell you
when half the time is over.
If you have any questions during the test, or if you need more paper, please raise
your hand.
Please try your hardest!
Please write your name below, and then turn the page to continue.
Name:
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)
and the Mystery of the Pyramid’s Treasure
You and your friend Malik have been selected as game testers to try out
a new video game for the Nintendo Wii.
Based on the new Indiana Jones movie, the game requires you to crack
codes to open secret chambers in a pyramid to find ancient treasure.
- There are three secret chambers
- You need to crack a code to open each chamber
- Each code is based on different patterns
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LEVEL 1
Over time, many layers of the pyramid have worn away, and you cannot
see the numbers written on them.
To crack the first code, you need to find the missing numbers for Row 8
of the pyramid.
Enter the code in the space provided:
Row 8
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Malik is having trouble beating Level 1. Explain for him how you found
EACH of these numbers using words and diagrams.
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CONGRATULATIONS! You have opened the first chamber.
LEVEL 2
There are many levels of the pyramid buried deep underground. They
have numbers, too, but there’s no way you could dig down to see them.
Add up the numbers in each row, looking for patterns.
To crack the second code, you need to get the sum of the numbers
written on Row 30.
Enter the sum in the space provided:
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Malik is having trouble again, and he asks for help. Explain to him how
you found your answer using words and diagrams.
BONUS code: Most patterns can be written using a mathematical rule or
formula. To open up a secret level, write a rule/formula for the sum of
Row X, where X can be any number.
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CONGRATULATIONS! You have opened the second chamber.
LEVEL 3
At the start of Level 3, one diagonal of the pyramid begins to glow.
To open the third chamber, you need to find the number that would be
written in Row 20 of this glowing diagonal.
Enter the number here:
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Malik is having trouble again. Help him out! Explain to him how you
found your answer using words and diagrams.
BONUS code: Most patterns can be written using a mathematical rule or
formula. To open up a secret level, write a rule/formula to find N in the
glowing diagonal row, where N can be any number.
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CONGRATULATIONS! You have opened the third chamber.
After you beat the game, the Nintendo Company wants you to tell them
whether this game is appropriate for your age and grade level. You
notice that some patterns in the pyramid looked familiar.
List and explain as many patterns as you see. Explain these patterns
using words and diagrams. Use math vocabulary if you can!
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