Graphing Inequalities on the Palm

Today's lesson was relatively simple. We reviewed how to enter equations on the handheld, and then learned how to switch the equal sign to an inequality sign. Once that was done, graphing the inequalities was a snap.

We completed one worksheet with the handheld computer in class, and then got started on tonight's homework.

Tonight's homework: Complete WS 7 and begin studying for the Chapter 6 test, which will be given on Wednesday, February 1st.

Round One of Testing is Done!

We spent another period in the computer lab, and almost everyone completed the short version of the state math assessment test. I am very proud of all students, as their scores are very good, considering this is the first time they have been tested in this manner.

Tonight's homework: Complete the odd problems on page 387. Evens are extra credit. The chapter six test will be given on Wednesday, February 1st.

State Math Assessment Day

Today, we took the state math test during class, using the state's on-line testing site. This test took the entire period, and most students will be able to finish it on Friday. Thanks to everyone for doing such a good job today in the lab!

Tonight's homework: Officially none, but you can begin reviewing for the Chapter 6 test by doing the odd problems on the Chapter 6 test page in the book. (This will be formally assigned as homework on Friday.)

Announcement: The Chapter 6 test will be given on Wednesday, February 1st. Start studying now!

Graphing Inequalities on the Coordinate Grid

Graphing inequalities on the coodinate grid is relatively simple. Here are some rules to remember:

1. If the inequality is less than or greater than ( < or > ), the line you place on the grid will be dotted.

2. If the inequality is less than or equal to or greater than or equal to ( ≤ or ≥ ), the line you place on the grid will be solid.

3. Be sure to shade the appropriate region of the graph. Using the origin to check for shading is helpful.

Tonight's homework: Lesson 6.5 ( 15 -39 FCO, 43 - 48 all, 49 - 57 FCO and 66 )

Note: Remember, we will be taking the state assessment test on Thursday.

More Work with Absolute Values

In today's lesson, we worked with inequalities that include absolute values. It is important to review the information in the text about solving these types of equations. The solution to these types of questions will almost always have 2 answers. Some answer pairs can be combined and written as a compound inequality. Others will require 2 separate expressions separated by the word "or".

Tonight's homework: Lesson 6.4 ( 40 - 60 even and 65 - 67 ).

Solving Equations with Absolute Values

As we continue through chapter 6, we find ourselves working with absolute value equations and determining the 2 values that can satisfy a given equation. Students are urged to read Lesson 6.4, and pay attention to the discussions that deal with equations. We will work with the inequalities on Tuesday.

Tonight's Homework: Lesson 6.4 (6 - 11 all, and 19 - 37, first column only)

NOTE: We will attempt to take our first round of state tests on the computer on Thursday, January 26th. Please plan to be in class on that day. Thank you!

Solving Compound Inequalities

There are times when two inequalities can be combined into more complex expressions. Sometimes these look like 3< x ≤ 7, while others may look like x < 5 or x > 10. Compound inequalities use the conjunctions "and" and "or" to combine expressions.

When solving inequalities, please remember to switch the sign when multiplying by a negative number.

Tonight's homework: Lesson 6.3 ( 13 - 37 odd, and problem 45 )

On-Line Testing--One More Time!

Well, instead of taking the statistics quiz during class time, we returned to the computer lab and took the state practice test for 8th grade math students. This time, everyone was able to take the test and complete it on-line. Yeah!!!

Tonight's Homework: Students were given the statistics quiz to take at home tonight. I am trusting that all students will complete the quiz without the aid of the book, notes, or other people (including friends and parents). Good Luck!

What a Fiasco of a Day!

Today, we tried to take the practice math test on the state's testing site, but were able to connect to the site properly, due to district networking problems. After returning to the classroom, we collected homework, and continued learning about solving inequalities.

Today's Homework: Lesson 6.2 ( 15 - 35 odd, with check steps )

Solving Inequalities

Tonight's homework covers inequalities and solving simple equations using them. Be sure to read Lesson 6.1 and then do the following problems: 22-43, FCO and 47-59 odd.

There will be a quiz over measures of central tendencies (mean, median, mode), box and whisker plots and stem and leaf plots on Wednesday, January 18th. Please come prepared, and yes, calculators may be used to determine the means.

Please plan to not miss our class on Thursday, as we will be taking the practice math test on line. The real state assessment tests will be taken on line this year, and the first test will be taken in February. Taking the practice test will be an important step towards making you comfortable with this new method of testing. Bring your calculator!

Fun Size M & M® Data Analysis

Today, we collected a bunch of data about the color of M & M's in fun size packages. Data from 25 packages of M & M's was collected and shared. Students were assigned to determine several statistical averages (mean, median, mode, percent of each color) for the data. In addition, students were assigned to make colorful circle graphs and box and whisker plots. This edible assignment is due on Tuesday, since there is no school on Monday!

Stem and Leaf Plots

We reviewed particulars about box and whisker plots, and then moved on to how stem and leaf plots can be useful tools to organize data. Once constructed, stem and leaf plots can speed up calculations for totalling a set of data, finding the mean, median and mode, mainly because you don't have to write as many numbers as you would otherwise.

Tonight's homework: Lesson 6.6 (11-23, odd) and Lesson 6.7 (11-21, odd)

Box and Whisker Plots

Box and Whisker plots are fun things to use to display a set of data. Many teachers at Monroe prepare progress reports for students that include this type of data plot. Key vocabulary to know when making box and whisker plots include low extreme, high extreme, lower quartile value, upper quartile value, and median. Some people refer to the lower quartile value as the 1st quartile value, and the upper quartile value is called the 3rd quartile value.

Tonight's homework: Complete both sides of the worksheet related to M & M data.

Measures of Central Tendency

After reviewing the chapter four test, we reviewed the terms mean, median, and mode. The best part of today was when we collected data about the colors of Mini M & M's®™ in fun packs, and then ate the candy.

Tonight's homework: Find the mean, median and mode for the each of the colors of candy data that was listed on the white board. Also, complete problems 17-24 on page 371.

P.S. Another rainy day here, Mac and Hanna. Hope it's sunny in Hawaii!

Chapter 5 Test Completed In Class Today

Most students completed the chapter 5 test today in class. Those who did not should plan to do so in the next few days. Retests will be given beginning next week for those who scored less than 80% on the test.

Tonight's homework: Read Lesson 6.6, and complete problems 74 - 91 on page 366.

P.S. Hi, Hanna! How is Hawaii? I bet it's not as wet as it is here in Oregon. Liz misses you!

Linear Equation Test is Monday!

The test on Monday will cover all aspects of linear equations that we have studied so far. Be sure to know how to do the following:

•Write an equation in standard form (Ax + By = C)
•Write an equation in slope-intercept form (y = mx + b)
•Determine the slope and/or the y-intercept of a line shown on the coordinate grid
•Determine the slope and/or the y-intercept of a line when given the equation for the line in either standard or slope-intercept form
•Graph the line described by a linear equation in either standard or slope-intercept form
•Write the equation for a line when given the slope and the y-intercept
•Write the equation for a line when given the slope and a point on the line
•Write the equation for a line when given two points on the line
•Write an equation in standard form with integer coefficients

Homework Tonight: Complete the Zap It 3 worksheet. Then do page 327 (1-27 odd).

Zap It Once and Zap It Twice

Today, we put all of the pieces of linear equations together and had a little fun while solving some pattern problems on the Zap It 1 and Zap It 2 worksheets. Students need to complete all parts of these worksheets--formula, data table, graph and written explanation.

In addition to the worksheets, students are to complete problems 1-12 on page 322.

Be aware that the chapter test will be given on Monday, January 9th. Start studying!

Reviewing Linear Equations

Today, we spent some time reviewing the essential components of linear equations. We learned how to write equations in standard form, and then practiced writing these equations in standard form with integer coefficients. More information about how to do this can be found in lesson 5.6 (so be sure to read it!)

Grade slips were also distributed today. Extra credit is available to those who turn them in signed on Thursday.

Tonight's homework: Page 801 (31-38 all)