REA's new test prep for the FCAT provides all the instruction and practice students need to excel on this state-required math exam. The book's comprehensive review features numerous examples, diagrams, and charts that illustrate and reinforce key math lessons. Features one full-length practice FCAT exam so you can familiarize yourself with the content and format of the actual FCAT exam DETAILS - The best FCAT test prep available for Florida students in the 8th grade - Comprehensive review of every math topic on the exam - Problems explained with two-color charts, diagrams and illustrations - Practice FCAT exam plus answer key and detailed explanations - Diagnostic tests pinpoint math strengths and weaknesses - Packed with proven test tips, strategies & drills - Student-friendly classroom/homework assignments that reinforce key concepts - Fully aligned with Florida's Department of Education core curriculum standards

SUCCEEDING ON THE FCAT GRADE 8 MATHEMATICS TEST ABOUT THIS BOOK Our book provides excellent preparation for the Florida Comprehensive Assessment Test (FCAT) for Grade 8 Mathematics. Inside you will find subject reviews that are designed to provide you with the information and strategies needed to do well on this exam. We also provide a full-length practice test, so you can get a good idea of what you'll be facing on test day. Detailed explanations follow the practice test. If you are having a problem with a certain question, we'll tell you how to solve it. Our Teacher's Answer Guide contains full explanations to the "Class and Homework Assignment" questions in the diagnostic tests at the back of this book. Teachers may obtain the answer guide by contacting REA. ABOUT THE TEST The FCAT's purpose is twofold: Parents, students, and teachers use it to benchmark students' progress toward mastering competencies and skills detailed in the Sunshine State Standards. The public uses it to evaluate a student population's general performance and to hold schools and districts accountable for living up to the state standards. Students are given 80 minutes to complete each of the FCAT's two math sessions, all of which adds up to a total of 2 hours and 40 minutes of testing. Three types of questions are included on the mathematics part of the FCAT: multiple-choice questions, gridded-response questions, and performance tasks. Multiple-choice and gridded-response questions are machine scored. Each answer to a performance task is scored by at least two trained readers. The questions are designed to test student mastery of the five different content categories: 1. Number Sense and Operations 2. Measurement 3. Geometry and Spatial Sense 4. Algebraic Thinking 5. Data Analysis and Probability For the latest information on the FCAT, visit the Florida Department of Education at Read http://fcat.fldoe.org. HOW TO USE THIS BOOK What do I study first? Read through the review and our suggestions for test-taking. Studying the review thoroughly will reinforce the basic skills you will need to do well on the test. Our practice drills and diagnostic tests feature five answer choices, whereas the actual exam has only four choices. This results in a greater challenge and more rigorous preparation. The FCAT's four-choice format is accurately reflected in our practice test, which you'll find in the back of this book. Our practice test is designed to capture the spirit of the FCAT, providing you with an experience that mimics the administration of the exam. When should I start studying? It is never too early to start studying for the exam. The earlier you begin, the more time you will have to sharpen your skills. Do not procrastinate! Cramming is not an effective way to study, since it does not allow you the time needed to learn the test material. The sooner you learn the format of the exam, the more time you will have to familiarize yourself with the exam content. ABOUT THE REVIEW SECTIONS The review sections in this book are designed to help you sharpen the basic skills needed to approach the exam, as well as to provide strategies for attacking each type of question. You will also find exercises to reinforce what you have learned. By using the reviews in conjunction with the drills and practice test, you will put yourself in a position to succeed on the exam. TEST-TAKING TIPS There are many ways to acquaint yourself with this type of examination and help alleviate your test-taking anxieties. Listed below are ways to help yourself. Become comfortable with the format. When you are practicing, simulate the conditions under which you will be taking the actual test. Take the practice test in a quiet room, free of distractions. Stay calm and pace yourself. After simulating the