Happy Halloween!

We took a quiz over Lessons 3.1 through 3.4 today in class. Because today is Halloween, there is no homework. Enjoy the short break, and be safe tonight!

Quiz over Lessons 3.1 through 3.4 on Monday

We spent a few minutes using the handheld computers to practice basic math facts. Students were asked to add, subtract, multiply and divide integers accurately and quickly. This was a fun way to review facts on a Friday afternoon.

To be sure you are ready for Monday's quiz, please complete the first 30 problems on page 799. Show check steps whenever necessary. This assignment will be due on Monday, October 31st

Reviewing Equation Solving

Today we reviewed the major points of the first four lessons in chapter 3. There will be a quiz over this material on Monday, October 31st, so be sure to review your notes and homework prior to that time.

Your homework has three parts to it tonight, including:

a.) The ten problems on the worksheet you received in class. Be sure to show the check steps for each of these problems.

b.) Page 152 (1 - 11 all)

c.) Page 159 (50 - 52 and 58 - 70 all)

Solving Equations With Variables on Both Sides of the Equal Sign

Solving equations with a variable on one side of the equal sign is fairly straight forward. The goal is to isolate the variable term and then work to figure out what it can be. When the same variable shows up on both sides of the equation, things aren't much different, except you must add one more step to your bag of tricks. Just remember, your goal is to get the variable on one side of the equation and everything else on the other side. Once you accomplish this, you will be well on your way to figuring out the answer to your problem!

Tonight, please read Lesson 3.4, as it reviews the three types of problems that you might encounter when solving equations. Remember, you can end up with a unique answer to the problem (such as x = 5 ), no solution to the problem (as would be the case when you get an equation that states something that is clearly false-->4 = 7) or many solutions (all real numbers or an infinite number of answers, represented by true statements like 8 = 8 or h = h)

After reading the lesson, do the following problems: 3.4(25 - 41, odd, and show check steps)

More Equation Solving

Today we add another trick to our bag for solving equations. Be sure to read over Lesson 3.3 to see how to solve multi-step equations. Remember, the distributive property is important. When distributing, be sure to distribute completely, and beware of those pesky negative signs!

Homework: Lesson 3.3 (16 - 34, first column only, and 51 - 55 all) Remember to show check steps!

Solving Equations Using Multiplication and Division

In Lesson 3.2, students will review the steps of solving problems of the form ax = c and x/b = d. There are a few basic steps to follow, and I am requiring that each problem includes a check step, as this will become necessary when we get to more complicated math problems.

Here is a review of the steps that I require to get full credit for solving problems of this nature:

1. Write down the problem.

2. Show the multiplication or division you wish to do to both sides of the equation.

3. Simplify the equation.

4. Box (or circle) your final answer.

5. Show the check step.

Check step procedure:

1. Write the original problem.

2. Show the substitution for the variable by replacing it with the answer you got--use parentheses to show this substitution.

3. Simplify your work.

4. If the two sides of the equation are equal, place a check mark by the equation and proceed to the next problem.

Homework tonight: Lesson 3.2 (24 - 42, divisible by 3--show check steps, and 50 - 56 even)

Chapter 2 Test is on Thursday!

Since so many students were on a field trip today, we didn't do anything new. Be sure to study for the chapter two test, which will be given in class on Thursday.

Preparing for the Chapter 2 Test

The test over chapter 2 will be on Thursday. Be sure to review the eight lessons we've covered, and pay attention to the properties.

Tonight's homework is not due until Thursday, due to 10 people who will be gone for Mr. Bowden's field trip. Please complete all problems on pages 122 - 124. Also, complete the worksheet (both sides) for Thursday.

Extra Credit Opportunity: Complete the problems on page 125. This, too, is due on Thursday.

Dividing Real Numbers

In today's review lesson, there are a few new things to remember. First, you can never divide by zero. Secondly, there are limiting factors to the domain in some expressions, and those would be numbers that cause the denominator of a fraction to become zero. Lastly, be sure to review the information about dividing numbers with similar signs and those with opposite signs.

Tonight's homework is Lesson 2.7 (16 - 50 even--show work, including substitutions--and problems 53 - 63 odd).

We will decide on Tuesday when the chapter 2 test will be. Because Mr. Bowden will be taking 10 of you on a field trip on Wednesday, the test will either be on Thursday or Friday of this week. Start preparing for it now!

Probablilities and Odds

We spent the class period completing an on-demand problem-solving work sample. This had to be completed in class, and could not be taken home to be finished.

Because of this, tonight's homework requires you to read lesson 2.8 in your textbook. It is about probability and odds, and really should be a review for you. Once you have read the lesson, please complete the following two parts of your homework, which will be collected on Monday, October 17th:

Lesson 2.8 (9 - 22 all)

Daffynitions worksheet (reviews orders of operations)

The Distributive Property, Revisited

Being able to use the distributive property to simplify everyday types of problems (like finding a tip) is a useful tool. Today's assignment focuses on how this property can be used in real-world situations.

Tonight's homework comes in two parts:

Lesson 2.6 (79 - 89 all)

Page 107--Quiz 2

The Distributive Property

Lesson 2.6 reviews one of the most powerful properties we'll use in algebra this year. Mastering the distributive property will allow you to be successful in many of the lessons we cover later in the year. Be sure to read this section so you'll understand the different ways this property can make math problems easier for you, including how to simplify by combining like terms.

Please do the following problems for October 12th: Lesson 2.6 (26 - 48 even and 49 - 73 odd).

Lesson 2.5

Today, we reviewed the major points of Lesson 2.5, including the major properties associated with multiplication. Be sure you know what the associative, commutative, identity, and opposites properties are and how they govern mathematical problems. Tonight's homework is Lesson 2.5 (18 - 57 --divisible by 3, and 62 - 67 all).

After reviewing today's lesson, students took a quiz over Lessons 2.1 through 2.4.

Homework for October 10th

Today was a review day for students, as classes were shortened to 27 minutes. Tonight's homework comes in three parts:

Page 70--problems 88 - 100, even
Page 77--problems 68 - 80, even
Page 85--problems 1-20 all

Homework for October 6th

Today's lesson deals with adding and subtracting matrices. Be sure to read Lesson 2.4 to see how matrices are used in real life situations.

The homework for tonight is Lesson 2.4 (7 - 23 odd and 24, 25 and 27).

There will be a short quiz over lessons 2.1 through 2.4 on Monday, October 10th. Be sure to study!

Homework for October 5th

Lesson 2.3 covers subtraction of real numbers. This should be review for all of you, but just in case, be sure to read the lesson. Remember, to subtract means to add the opposite.

Tonight's homework is 2.3(17 - 57 odd, and 68 - 78 all).

Homework for October 4th

Today we reviewed properties related to adding real numbers. It will be important for you to know and understand each of the following properties:

•Commutative Property of Addition
•Associative Property of Addition
•Identity Property of Addition
•Property of Zero (Additive Inverse Property)

Tonight, please read Lesson 2.2 and do the following problems: 2.2(13 - 57 odd).

It is highly likely we will have a quiz on Friday, October 7th over the material we have covered this year.

Homework for October 3rd

Read Lesson 2.1 about Real Numbers. Pay particular attention to the part about absolute value.

Your homework tonight is to do Lesson 2.1 (19 - 75 odd).