Grade 7 Math: how to help at home
What your child learns in Grade 7 math in the Alberta Curriculum, and simple things to try at home.
The Big Ideas this year
- Number: develop number sense, with divisibility, decimals, fractions, percents and integers
- Patterns and Relations: use patterns to describe the world, and represent algebraic expressions in many ways
- Shape and Space: use direct and indirect measurement, describe 2-D shapes and 3-D objects, and describe position and motion
- Statistics and Probability: collect, display and analyze data, and use probability to represent and solve problems
Easy ways to practise math at home
- Look for fractions, decimals and percentages in sale signs, sports statistics and recipes.
- Ask your child to explain a problem to you as if you were the student.
- Estimate first (the bill, the trip time), then check with a calculator.
- Keep a tricky-problems list and revisit it every few days instead of re-doing everything.
What each unit covers
Divisibility Rules
Using divisibility rules for 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 8, 9 and 10 without dividing, and why no number can be divided by 0.
Decimal Operations
All four operations with decimals, estimating to check answers, ordering decimals, and money problems such as unit prices.
Adding & Subtracting Fractions
Adding and subtracting positive fractions and mixed numbers with like and unlike denominators, in lowest terms.
Comparing & Ordering
Comparing and ordering positive fractions, decimals to thousandths and whole numbers, using benchmarks and equivalent decimals.
Fractions, Decimals & Percents
Moving between fractions, decimals (including repeating decimals) and percents, finding a percent of a number, and simplifying and scaling ratios.
Tax, Tips & Discounts
Everyday money percents: sale prices, sales tax (with the rates given), restaurant tips, comparing deals and simple interest on savings.
Add & Subtract Integers
Adding and subtracting positive and negative numbers with number lines, temperatures and elevations, including the idea that subtracting a number is the same as adding its opposite.
Linear Relations
Finding the rule behind growing patterns, writing expressions like 3n + 2, and connecting tables, graphs and real situations such as rental costs.
Expressions & Equations
The difference between an expression and an equation, evaluating expressions, keeping equations balanced, and solving one-step equations with integers.
Two-Step Equations
Solving equations like 3x + 5 = 26 by undoing each step on both sides, writing equations from word problems and checking solutions.
Circles
Using radius, diameter and π (about 3.14) to find the distance around a circle and the area inside it, including real objects like wheels and pizzas.
Area & Constructions
Area of triangles and parallelograms using base and height, and the vocabulary of perpendicular and parallel lines and bisectors.
Coordinates & Transformations
Reading and plotting points in all four quadrants, and describing translations, reflections, 180° rotations and combinations of them.
Mean, Median & Mode
Mean, median, mode and range, and how an outlier changes them.
Circle Graphs
Reading and building circle graphs: turning percents into numbers of people and sector angles (out of 360°), and comparing categories.
Probability
Listing outcomes of two independent events (like a coin and a die), finding theoretical probabilities by multiplying, and comparing them with experimental results.
What the report card levels look like at home
- Beginning
- Just getting started with this idea. Short, regular practice with lots of support helps most.
- Approaching
- Understands parts of it and is building confidence. Keep practising the tricky parts.
- Meeting
- Has it! Mixed review now and then keeps it strong.
- Exceeding
- Applies it confidently, even in new or harder situations. Try challenge mode and real-life problems.
Your child’s teacher decides the level on the report card. Read the Alberta report card guide.
Common questions
How can I help my Grade 7 child with math?
Look for fractions, decimals and percentages in sale signs, sports statistics and recipes. Ask your child to explain a problem to you as if you were the student. Keep sessions short, about 10 to 15 minutes, and stop on a success.
What does my child learn in Grade 7 math in Alberta?
The Alberta Curriculum Grade 7 math units include divisibility rules, decimal operations, adding & subtracting fractions, comparing & ordering, fractions, decimals & percents, tax, tips & discounts.
Free printable Grade 7 math practice sheet
Questions from every unit, with an answer key.