Grade 7 · Math

Grade 7 math

Grade 7 math adds and subtracts negative numbers, works with proportions and percent change, and solves equations in more than one step. Here is what it covers, where kids usually get stuck, and one way to help.

What your child learns this year

Every curriculum words it differently, but most grade 7 classes cover the same ground:

Integers. Adding, subtracting, multiplying and dividing negative numbers.
Proportions and percents. Unit rates, scale, discounts, tax and percent increase and decrease.
Algebra. Simplifying expressions and solving two-step equations, like 3x − 4 = 11.
Circles and shapes. Circumference and area of a circle, angles, and area of composite shapes.
Data and probability. Comparing data sets, and the probability of two events.
In Ontario, also coding and financial literacy.

Where kids usually get stuck

1Turning two minus signs into one. Answering 5 − (−3) = 2. Taking away a negative makes the answer bigger: it is 8.
2Using the new number for percent change. A price going from $40 to $50 is a 25% increase: the change is divided by the original $40, not the new $50.
3Mixing up radius and diameter. Using the diameter in a formula that wants the radius, which doubles or quadruples the answer.

One of Pip's tricks

Subtracting a negative is adding

Use it when a subtraction with a negative number, like 5 − (−3).

Change the subtraction to adding the opposite: 5 − (−3) becomes 5 + 3.
Add as usual.
Picture it to check: taking away a debt leaves you richer.

Watch it work. 5 − (−3). Rewrite it as 5 + 3, which is 8. So 5 − (−3) = 8.

Why it works: subtracting means taking away, and taking away a negative amount (a debt, a drop in temperature) leaves you with more, which is what adding does.

Try three

Have a go, then tap to see the answer.

1.−4 − (−9) = ?
Show the answer
5. Subtracting −9 is adding 9: −4 + 9 = 5.
2.A jacket's price goes from $40 to $50. What is the percent increase?
Show the answer
25%. The change is $10, and $10 out of the original $40 is 1/4, which is 25%.
3.A circle has a radius of 5 cm. About how far is it around? (Use π ≈ 3.14.)
Show the answer
About 31.4 cm. Around a circle is π × the diameter. The diameter is 2 × 5 = 10 cm, and 3.14 × 10 = 31.4.

How Sparkpip fits in

Pip, Sparkpip's tutor, works through problems like these with your child one small step at a time, using tricks like the one above.

Start free See how it works

Your curriculum

Sparkpip is built on the grade 7 math curriculum for your province or state. The official pages:

Also: Grade 6 math · Grade 8 math · Grade 7 science · Grade 7 English