Slope of a Line

Today, we learned about the slope of a line, which can be thought of as the slant of the line. Slopes can be positive, negative, zero, or undefined. The slope of any line is defined as the rise over the run (how far up or down you go divided by how far left or right you have to travel.

We talked about how to find the slope of a line if you know the coordinates of any two points on the line. We also practiced finding a second point on the line if we knew one point and the slope.

Tonight's homework: 4.4 (12 - 37 all) It is fine to put up to six lines on one grid, provided you use different colors for each line.

Using Intercepts to Graph Lines

In lesson 4.3, we learn a quick way to graph lines using intercepts. Since a line can be determined by the location of two points on the line, we will use the intercepts to help us sketch lines with relative ease.

For homework tonight, read lesson 4.3 and then complete the odd problems (15 - 63). It is okay to use colored pencils to graph multiple lines on one grid.

Please remember there is a quiz on Thursday over using spreadsheets. You should take time to review the material prior to class on Thursday.

Lastly, you may retake the chapter 3 test until December 2nd after school. Be sure to review your mistakes ahead of time so you'll be ready to get the highest possible score this time around.

Welcome Back!

Today we eased back into the school routine by using tables of values (or x-y data tables) to determine points that would fall on a line, if given the equation of the line.

Read lesson 4.2 completely. Then complete the following assignment: Lesson 4.2 (14 - 50 even, and 52-55 all)

Things to think about this week:

Chapter 3 retests must be done by the end of the school day on Friday, December 2nd.

There will be a quiz over using spreadsheets and entering proper formulae into cells during class on Thursday, December 1st.

Thursday, December 1st, is Monroe Day at Coldstone Creamery. Extra credit is available to all who bring in a receipt from Coldstone dated 12/01/05 between 5 and 9 p.m.

Spreadsheets and Formula Work

Today, we continued our study of how to use a spreadsheet to input formulae to help us compute the value for a given variable if we know the other related information. For instance, if we know the distance something traveled and the time it took, we could use the formula D = rt and solve it in terms of r to find the rate of travel for the object. (r = D/t)

Tonight's homework is to complete the spreadsheets and associated questions on the two worksheets that were given out in class.

Reminder: If you scored less than 80% on the chapter 3 test, be sure to review your mistakes with me and plan to take the retake by the end of the day on December 2nd.

Fraction Review

Today, we took the chapter 3 test.

Tonight's homework is to complete all of the even problems on page 783, and then do problem 65.

Have a great weekend!

Chapter 3 Test is Tomorrow!

Because of the OMSI assembly for 8th graders taking place during 6th period, algebra was canceled today. Even so, there is homework tonight. The chapter 3 test is going to be given in class on Friday. Be sure to study for it!

What's on Friday's Test?

Tonight's homework: Lesson 4.1 (11 - 31, odd). Be sure to read the lesson first. Also, please complete the left hand sides of the spreadsheet worksheet for tomorrow.

When reviewing for Friday's test, here is a list of things you should be able to do with relative ease:

Solve and check equations. These equations may include whole numbers, fractions and decimals.

When working with equations involving fractions and decimals, use the multiplication property of equality to simplify the equation and eliminate the fractions or decimals.

Use the distributive property accurately, especially when it comes to distributing with negative numbers!

Rewrite equations in terms of a different variable. (Example: d = rt in terms of r would be r = d/t.)

Set up equations from word problems and then solve the equation to answer the word problem. Be sure to look over the worksheet with the 10 word problems on it from about 2 weeks ago.

Finishing Up Chapter Three Means a Test is Coming!

Today was a busy day in class. We corrected homework, and discussed the agenda for the week. There will be no class on Thursday, November 17th, because of the 8th grade OMSI assembly. Many students have big tests in French and Spanish this week, so the chapter 3 algebra test will be given on Friday, November 18th. Be sure to study for this test, and start now. You should be able to solve equations, set up equations from word problems, and use the distributive property without error. I would suggest you review the story problem worksheet, as problems similar to the ones on that sheet may appear on the test.

During class, students received yellow wrist bands to help remind them of their pledge to remain drug and alcohol free. This week is the week we celebrate being smoke-free. We will participate in the Great American Smoke Scream on Wednesday, and students are urged to wear yellow on Thursday, which is the annual Great American Smoke Out.

As for algebra, we took time to review our grades on different types of math tasks. Miss Brands distributed a categorical listing of student performance, and these were used to help complete a questionnaire and goal setting sheet.

Tonight's homework comes in several parts:

1. Complete problems 31 - 53 odd on page 799. These are due on 11/15.

2. Complete the blue worksheet and grade graph. This is due by 11/16.

Liz, where are you? We think you are ditching school because the sun has been out. Come back soon!

The Chapter 3 Test is Coming!

After adjusting to a classroom with only chairs (no desks), we corrected and reviewed the homework from last night. We then completed a work sample related to donuts. This work sample was collected from everyone at the end of the class period.

Tonight's homework is to complete all problems on pages 190 through 192. These problems should provide you with a good review of the major topics covered in this chapter. Try to complete them without using the back of the book as a crutch. You can do these!

Rates, Ratios, and Percents

In this lesson, you will be expected to use rates and ratios to set up and solve simple real-life problems. Be sure to review your notes and read section 3.8 before tackling the homework.

For homework tonight, please do Lesson 3.8 (11 - 18 all and 23-29 all).

Formulas and Functions

Using formulae can be tricky at times, especially when you have many variables involved in the equation. Luckily, we can manipulate any formula so it is solved for a different variable. For instance, the formula D = r*t can be rewritten in two different ways: r = D/t and t = D/r . Similarly, the formula for converting Celsius temperatures to Fahrenheit (C = 9/5(F - 32) ) can be rewritten in terms of F. This formula would be F = 5/9 C + 32.

Please complete the following for Tuesday: Lesson 3.7 (11 - 15 all, 17 - 29 odd, and 34 - 35) Be sure to show your work as you complete these problems.

Solving Equations with Decimals

In Lesson 3.6, we learn that we can use the multiplication property of equality to multiply both sides of an equation by a power of 10 to eliminate any decimal numbers that appear in the original problem.

Tonight's homework: Lesson 3.6 (20 - 38, FCO and problems 50-55 , all)

Lesson 3.5

We spent a considerable amount of time reviewing the story problems that students worked on for homework last night. I would suggest that all students review the problems at least once or twice in the next couple of days so they feel more comfortable setting these types of problems up. It seems like most kids can solve the problems once they are set up.

Tonight's homework is Lesson 3.5 ( 10 - 22, even and 27 - 40 all).

Solving Problems Involving Variables

There are many types of problems that can be solved by writing simple algebraic equations for them. There are a few steps to follow when attempting to solve the problems. First, identify a variable by writing it down on your paper and describing what it stands for. For example, you could write "Let n = the first number" or "Let b = Bob's age". Once this is done, try to use the information in the story problem to set up an equation. Solve the equation and then check your answer in the original story problem.

Tonight's homework is to complete the 10 story problems on the worksheet that was handed out in class today.

Solving Inequalities

Solving inequalities is not very different from solving equations. Most of the same rules apply. There is one very important rule that must be remembered when solving inequalities. Whenever you multiply or divide the inequality by a negative number, you must switch the nature of the inequality sign. Following this rule will help to ensure you get the correct answer.

In checking solutions to inequalities, think about picking a number that makes it quick and simple to check. For example, if the solution to the inequality states " y < 5 ", I would let y = 0 in my check step, as 0 is a very easy number to compute with.

Tonight's homework is to solve and check the ten inequalities on the worksheet that was distributed during class.