Algebraic Reasoning: Algebraic Translation [TEKS Tools Grade 8]

This post specifically looks at how algebraic reasoning can be used to translate problem situations to algebraic representations. Read more about TEKS Tools and their rationale here.

Algebraic Reasoning

Algebraic reasoning accounts for around 27% of each 8th grade STAAR test. This thinking does not use a visible tool but instead relies on applying algebraic concepts to expressions, equations, and inequalities.

The main function of algebraic reasoning is to identify algebraic relationships in problem situations, perform rigid transformations and dilations, identify similar figures, and solve equations and inequalities.

Linear Relationships

Algebraic reasoning can be applied to translate proportional and non-proportional relationships into verbal descriptions, tables, and graphs.

8.5A - represent linear proportional situations with tables, graphs, and equations in the form of y = kx

2024-34: a verbal description was given, students had to find a graph or table to match it

2025-7: a verbal description was given, students had to create a graph to match it

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8.5B - represent linear non-proportional situations with tables, graphs, and equations in the form of y = mx + b, where b ≠ 0;

2023-22: an verbal description was given, students had to match it to a graph and a table

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8.5F - distinguish between proportional and non-proportional situations using tables, graphs, and equations in the form y = kx or y = mx + b, where b ≠ 0

2025-36: an equation was given, students had to match it to the correct verbal description

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8.5G - identify functions using sets of ordered pairs, tables, mappings, and graphs

2025-33: a graph was given, students had to match it to the correct verbal description

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8.5H - identify examples of proportional and non-proportional functions that arise from mathematical and real-world problems

2024-26: students had to identify a proportional relationship in an equation

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8.5I - write an equation in the form y = mx + b to model a linear relationship between two quantities using verbal, numerical, tabular, and graphical representations

2024-31: a verbal description was given, students had to identify the matching equation

2025-40: a verbal description was given, students had to identify the matching equation

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8.8A - write one-variable equations or inequalities with variables on both sides that represent problems using rational number coefficients and constants

2024-9: a verbal description was given, students had to identify the matching inequality

2025-14: a verbal description was given, students had to write the matching inequality

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8.12G - estimate the cost of a two-year and four-year college education, including family contribution, and devise a periodic savings plan for accumulating the money needed to contribute to the total cost of attendance for at least the first year of college

2023-15: a real-world situation was given, students had to use it to solve problems