Graphing and Solving Systems of Linear Equations

When two lines intersect, the point at which they intersect names the values of x and y that make both of the linear equations true at the same time. Reading the intersection point can be quite simple. Plugging that point's values into the linear equations should render two sets of true statements mathematically.

Tonight's Homework: Read Lesson 7.1 and then do problems 17-31, odd from the lesson. Also, please do Lesson 7.4 ( 31 - 43, FCO), and use the method that makes the most sense to you.

More Practice with Solving Systems of Linear Equations

Today we spent some time reviewing what we've learned in the last week. Students had a choice of how to solve most of the homework problems, and were urged to use the most appropriate method to solve the problems.

Tonight's homework: Page 417 (1-10) and lesson 7.4(11-29, odd)

Using Linear Combinations to Solve Systems of Linear Equations

Another way to solve systems of linear equations is to use both equations simultaneously to create a single equation containing just one variable. Sometimes this is as simple as adding the two equations together and instantly eliminating one of the variables. Other times, you must multiply one or both of the equations by something to allow one of the variables to drop out of the picture. This method, though fun to use, may not always be the easiest way to solve a problem.

Tonight's homework: Read lesson 7.3 completely, and then complete problems 8-40 (first column only) and problems 43 and 44.

Solving Real World Problems with the Substitution Method

We continued our discussion of solving systems of linear equations using both manipulatives (blocks) and real world examples. Remember to read the textbook to get more examples related to how to solve these types of problems.

Tonight's homework: Lesson 7.2 ( 32, 42 - 47 all)

Solving Systems of Equations by Substitution

Systems of equations are used to find the point where two or more lines intersect. One way to solve these equations is to graph the lines on the same coordinate grid and find the name of the point where the lines intersect. An easier, and usually faster, way to do this is to use substitution. Be sure to read Lesson 7.2 before completing the homework.

Tonight's homework: Lesson 7.2 ( 17 - 26 all)--Be sure to do all parts of the problem, and report your answer as a point.

Review, Review, and Review!

Today we spent most of the class reviewing. First, we reviewed how to get the answer to the Election problem solving question through the use of algebra. Next, we reviewed all of the feedback forms from our recent oral presentations. After this, we took the quiz about absolute value equations and how the variables impact them. Lastly, we spent some time reviewing the major components of a linear equation (slope, y-intercept, etc.)

Tonight's Homework: Page 409 (Problems 47-59, all)

Study for the Quiz on Tuesday!

The last presentations were made in class today. In addition, we worked on a problem solving work sample in class.

Tonight's Homework: Be prepared to take a quiz over how each of the variables (a, b, c, and d) alter the graphs of absolute value equations. This quiz will be given in class on Tuesday.

More Presentations

After correcting last night's homework, we listened to several more group presentations.

Tonight's homework: Complete all 9 problems on page 796. Good luck!

Presentations, Day 2

After reviewing last night's homework, students were reminded of the criteria they were expected to be including on their feedback forms. Students continued presenting their findings about the ways certain variables impact the absolute value equation.

Tonight's homework: Complete all problems on page 791 for Thursday.

Let the Presentations Begin!

After correcting homework, students were instructed on how to connect their handheld computers to the projection device. Then students received directions on how to fill out the evaluation forms. Several groups presented their findings, and most of the rest will be making their presentations on Wednesday.

Tonight's homework: Complete all 7 problems on page 789.

Final Preparation for Oral Presentations

We spent the class period loading equations on the palms and polishing our presentations, which will begin on Tuesday. Be sure to include something in your presentation that will make it memorable!

Tonight's homework: Page 778 (First column of problems only)

Presentation Preparation, Day 2

Students continued to work on creating equations that prove their assertions about how a particular variable impacts the graph of equations involving absolute values. All presentations must include a visual portion, which involves projecting the display of the palm onto the screen. In addition, students will need to create a presentation that has some novel aspect to it (humor, skit, joke, commercial, etc.), as all presentations will otherwise sound very similar. These presentations will be given in class on Tuesday and Wednesday, February 14th and 15th, and no additional class time will be given to work on them on Monday.

Tonight's homework: Continue preparing your presentation. Good luck!

Exploring Variables that Relate to Absolute Value Equations

Today, we learned that the standard form of an equation involving absolute value functions may take the following form:

y = a | b x + c | + d

where a, b, c and d are variables that may or may not appear in the equation. When studying absolute value equations, a and b will always be some value other that 0. Students paired up and began working on a task that will eventually be presented orally in front of the class. Students used the Absolute Value WS 4 to record their equations and findings, and also saved equations on their handheld computers, as the palms will be used during the presentations to provide a visual for all to look at.

Homework: Nothing is due on Friday, however all students are urged to work on the worksheet tonight.

Graphing Equations with Absolute Values--Part 2

After reviewing the highlights of worksheets 1 and 2, we learned about the line of symmetry of a given absolute graph. The equation of line of symmetry will be of the form: x = c . We also talked about the graphs of equations with absolute values having either a maximum value or a minimum value. There are ways to look at the equations that have absolute values in them to determine whether the graph will have a maximum or minimum value, and we talked about that.

Tonight's homework: Finish both sides of Absolute Value Worksheet 3.

Graphing Equations with Absolute Values

We reviewed how to construct x-y data tables for a given equation, and then use that information to plot the points on a coordinated grid. Next, we used this strategy to plot the graphs of several equations that had absolute value functions in them. Last, we learned how to graph these equations on the handheld computer.

We completed the Absolute Value Worksheet 1 today in class.

Tonight's homework: Complete the Absolute Value Worksheet 2, including the conclusions portion of the worksheet, for tomorrow.

The District Test is Finished

Students finished the second half of the district test this afternoon. Goal review sheets and grade graphs were collected.

There was no homework assigned.

District Testing Today

Our class was a little bit shorter than usual today so we could take time to clean out our lockers and notebooks. Students were instructed to keep their course description sheets, all problem solving materials and work samples, and their goal sheets. Everything else (primarily from chapters 1 through 6) was removed from the notebook, making for a much thinner (and lighter) notebook.

Students completed the first 30 problems of the district math test in class today. The rest of the test will be completed on Monday.

Tonight's homework: Complete the goal review and graph assignment. Be ready to turn it in on Monday.

P.S. Robert, you can take care of these two things when you return. Hope you are having fun in the sun. Here, it continues to rain. Big surprise, huh?

Chapter 6 Test

The chapter 6 test was taken in class today.

There was no homework assigned today, although a flyer was distributed for students to take home and get signed for extra credit.