Grade 9 Math: how to help at home
What your child learns in Grade 9 math in the Saskatchewan Curriculum, and simple things to try at home.
The Big Ideas this year
- Number (N9.1–N9.3): Demonstrate understanding of powers with integral bases (excluding base 0) and whole number exponents. Demonstrate understanding of rational numbers. Extend understanding of square roots to include the square root of positive rational numbers.
- Patterns and Relations (P9.1–P9.4): Demonstrate understanding of linear relations. Model and solve situational questions using linear equations of the form. Demonstrate understanding of single variable linear inequalities with rational coefficients. (and 1 more outcome)
- Shape and Space (SS9.1–SS9.4): Demonstrate understanding of circle properties. Extend understanding of area to surface area of right rectangular prisms, right cylinders, right triangular… Demonstrate understanding of similarity of 2-D shapes. (and 1 more outcome)
- Statistics and Probability (SP9.1–SP9.4): Demonstrate understanding of the effect of. Demonstrate an understanding of the collection, display, and analysis of data through a project. Demonstrate an understanding of the role of probability in society. (and 1 more outcome)
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
Exponents & Powers
Evaluating powers, using the product, quotient and power laws, working with powers of products and fractions, and order of operations with exponents.
Rational Numbers
Adding, subtracting, multiplying and dividing fractions and decimals that may be negative, converting between fractions and decimals, ordering rational numbers, and using BEDMAS.
Linear Relations
Finding slope from points and graphs, reading y = mx + b, finding intercepts, deciding whether a point is on a line, spotting parallel lines, and using rates of change in stories.
Multi-Step Equations
Solving linear equations with brackets, fractions and variables on both sides, checking solutions, and turning word problems into equations.
Polynomials
Naming polynomials by terms and degree, combining like terms, subtracting polynomials, multiplying and dividing by a constant, and substituting values for x.
Similarity & Scale
Using scale factors to find missing sides, solving shadow and scale-drawing problems, and seeing how enlarging a shape changes its area and volume.
Statistics in Society
Telling a population from a sample, spotting bias in who is asked and how, predicting from a sample, noticing misleading graphs, and why correlation is not causation.
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! Meeting is the goal for every outcome. Mixed review now and then keeps it strong.
- Exemplary
- 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 Saskatchewan report card guide.
Common questions
How can I help my Grade 9 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 9 math in Saskatchewan?
The Saskatchewan Curriculum Grade 9 math units include exponents & powers, rational numbers, linear relations, multi-step equations, polynomials, similarity & scale.
Free printable Grade 9 math practice sheet
Questions from every unit, with an answer key.