Lial's BCM as pre-algebra (cross-post)

[Jackie in NE]

I am using BCM as a pre-algebra text for my dd age 13. Do I need to cover chapters 8 and 10 (geometry and statistics) or can I leave them alone for now? We will be using Foerster's in the fall.

TIA, Jackie

[Jann in TX]

The topics covered in Geometry will generally be used as 'application' problems even in Algebra 1. I know that if you continued with Lial that those chapters would be needed for Algebra 1--and since Foerster and Lial were written to the same standards I would assume that they would be needed with Foerster's books too.

About the stats...Pre-Algebra is the (Jr high/high school) level that this is NORMALLY taught in. Very few Algebra programs will cover stats in any kind of detail.

My dd and my students have always completed those sections rather quickly--and they all saw the benifit of them the following year.

[Michelle in MO]

Jann is a math expert here, and probably statistics isn't as important. I would definitely do the chapter on geometry, though, as your child will encounter that in a couple of years.