TRYING TO DECIDE WHICH GRADE 9 MATH COURSE TO TAKE???

TRYING TO DECIDE WHICH GRADE 9 MATH COURSE TO TAKE???
Here are some things to think about?
I.
In choosing your course, your goal should be to work at the highest level you can while still being
successful. It is NOT beneficial to consistently have work introduced to you that is above your present
level of comprehension; it is far more motivating for you to work with curriculum that is at your present
level of understanding.
II.
There is an ability to move across the levels. If you start in grade 9 applied math in first semester and are
very successful, you can enroll in grade 9 academic math in second semester. Similarly, if you start in
grade 9 locally developed in first semester, you can enroll in grade 9 applied math in second semester.
You can never have enough math! Some students have found these pathways a positive experience.
III.
In high school, we work under a credit system. If you do NOT pass grade 9 math (at any level), you do
NOT automatically move into grade 10 math. You MUST repeat grade 9 math until you pass it.
ACADEMIC MATH – MPM1D1
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Students will develop some essential concepts in mathematics but also explore related concepts.
Emphasis will be on theory and abstract thinking as a basis for future learning.
Successful students are usually independent learners with learning skills at the ”good” to “excellent” level.
Grade 9 academic math moves at a quicker pace than applied math and requires significant work outside of class.
APPLIED MATH– MFM1P1
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Students will focus on the essential concepts of mathematics.
Emphasis will be on the practical and hands-on applications of the concepts.
Students are generally more dependent learners and require greater teacher direction and instruction in learning math.
Grade 9 applied math provides students more time to learn and apply the concepts in class than the academic course.
SAMPLE QUESTION FOR EACH LEVEL (taken directly from last semester!)
GRADE 9 LOCALLY DEVELOPED
Please refer the table to the right.
ITEM
COST
If you bought one item of each thing, what is the change that you
expect to get back if you paid the cashier with a $50.00 bill?
Socks
$1.41
Pants
$10.60
Shirt
$22.92
GRADE 9 APPLIED
Johnny wanted to buy a shirt. It was regularly $58.00, but it on sale for 15% off.
a.
What is the sale price?
b.
What is the total price including 13% tax?
GRADE 9 ACADEMIC
A coin container on a bus has 13 more quarters than nickels. In total, the nickels and quarters are worth $25.75. How many
nickels and quarters are in the container?