Eureka Math Parent Guide
A GUIDE TO SUPPORT PARENTS AS THEY WORK WITH THEIR STUDENTS IN MATH.
GRADE 8
MODULE 3
GRADE FOCUS
Eighth grade mathematics is about (1) formulating
and reasoning about expressions and equations, with a
special focus on linear equations and systems of linear
equations; (2) grasping the concept of a function and
using functions to describe quantitative relationships; (3)
analyzing two- and three-dimensional space and figures
using distance, angle, similarity, and congruence, and
understanding and applying the Pythagorean Theorem.
• Module 1: Integer Exponents and Scientific Notation
• Module 2: The Concept of Congruence
» Module 3: Similarity
• Module 4: Linear Equations
• Module 5: Examples of Functions from Geometry
• Module 6: Linear Functions
• Module 7: Introduction to Irrational Numbers Using Geometry
LET’S CHECK IT OUT!
MODULE 3 FOCUS
In this 14-lesson module, students learn about dilation
and similarity and apply that knowledge to a proof of the
Pythagorean Theorem based on the Angle-Angle criterion
for similar triangles. Students learn the definition of a
dilation, its properties, and how to compose them. One
overarching goal of this module is to replace the common
idea of “same shape, different sizes” with a definition
of similarity that can be applied to shapes that are not
polygons, such as ellipses and circles.
MORE SPECIFICALLY, CHILDREN WILL LEARN HOW TO:
• Use physical models, transparencies or geometry
software to understand congruence and similarity.
• Describe the effect of dilations, translations, rotations,
and reflections on two-dimensional figures using
coordinates.
• Understand that a two-dimensional figure is similar to
another if the second can be obtained from the first by
a sequence of rotations, reflections, translations.
• Use informal arguments to establish facts about
the angle sum and exterior angle of triangles, about
the angles created when parallel lines are cut by a
transversal, and the angle-angle criterion for similarity
of triangles.
• Explain a proof of the Pythagorean Theorem and use
the Theorem to determine unknown side lengths
in right triangles in real-world and mathematical
problems in two and three dimensions.
TOPIC OVERVIEW
Topics are the lessons within a module that help children
master the skills above. Here are the lessons that will
guide your child through Module 3:
• Topic A: Dilation
• Topic B: Similar Figures
• Topic C: The Pythagorean Theorem
WORDS TO KNOW
• Dilation: Dilation is where the polygon grows or
shrinks but keeps the same overall shape. It’s a little
like zooming in or out on a camera.
• Similar: Two geometrical objects are called similar if they
both have the same shape, or one has the same shape
as the mirror image of the other. More precisely, one
can be obtained from the other by dilation (enlarging or
shrinking), possibly with additional translation, rotation
and reflection. This means that either object can be
rescaled, repositioned, and reflected, so as to coincide
precisely with the other object.
• Congruence: Two figures or objects are congruent if
they have the same shape and size, or if one has the
same shape and size as the mirror image of the other.
In the picture below, the two triangles on the left are
congruent, while the third is similar to them. The last
triangle is neither similar nor congruent to any of the
others because the angles are not the same. Note that
congruence permits alteration of some properties,
such as location and orientation, but leaves others
unchanged, like distance and angles.
Explanation:
