Multiplying and Dividing Rational Expressions

We reviewed the basic rule for multiplying and dividing fractions,and then applied these rules while working with rational expressions. Students are reminded that the numerators and denominators should be considered as being in parentheses, even if none are shown, to lessen the temptation to simplify carelessly or incompletely. When solving these problems, be sure to identify the limiting factor(s)--what the variable cannot be.

Tonight's homework: Lesson 11.5 (12-33, FCO, and 44-45). You must show work to get credit for this assignment.

Simplifying Radical Expressions

After reviewing the rule for simplifying fractions, we ran through many examples of how to use factoring to help simplify fractions that have polynomial expressions in the numerator and denominator. We discussed how the denominator can't be zero, so identifying values that limit the expression is very important.

Tonight's homework: Read Lesson 11.4, and then do the assigned problems--11.4 (9-21, FCO, 24-31 all)

Note: I am very proud of all of you who have no missing assignments. However, half of the class have 3 or more missing assignments, and this is unacceptable. Because of this, work time will be silent until the number of missing assignments is significantly reduced.

Where Is Everyone?

It seemed like over a third of the students were missing from class today, so the lesson I had originally planned for today will be taught on Tuesday.

Tonight's homework: Page 655 (55 - 72 all). Enjoy the long weekend, and be safe in all you do!

Problems With Percents

A specific type of ratio and proportion problem exists when you deal with percents. As long as you know two of the three values dealing with a percent, you can set up an equation to solve for the missing value. Use the sentence: "Blank percent of blank is blank" to help you set up the problems in tonight's homework, and substitute the given values into the sentence before solving for the unknown.

Tonight's homework: Lesson 11.2 (10 - 29, first column only, and problems 33 - 35)

P.S. Taylor, did you and/or your parents get to see the finale of "Amercian Idol" on Wednesday night? Parts were pretty good and a couple parts were just plain funny. Have fun boating!

Ratios and Proportions

We reviewed the chapter 9 tests, and then began our study of chapter 11. The first section deals with ratios and proportions, so I reviewed how to use cross-products to solve algebraic problems. Be sure to read Lesson 11.1, especially if you missed class on Wednesday.

Tonight's homework: Lesson 11.1 ( 17 - 38, first column only, and problems 41 and 42)

Test Taken Today

Well, today was test day, and those who came to class answered questions about factoring and FOILing.

Tonight's homework: Complete the 11 problems on page 642. Oh, and since the homework assignment is short, take some time to watch "American Idol" this evening!!!

Chapter Test is Tomorrow

We will be taking the test over the material covered in chapters 9 and 10 on Tuesday. Being able to FOIL and factor will be on the test, as will the quadratic equation. Be sure to study tonight.

Tonight's homework: None. However, should you wish to brush up your skills (and receive extra credit in doing so), complete at least 20 problems from the chapter 10 review (pages 634-635). This will be due on Tuesday, and will not be accepted for late credit.

Weather Changes the Plan for Today

Because I had planned an outdoor math activity, the unexpected rain and drizzle forced me to change my plans for today. We stayed inside, and completed a problem solving worksheet today. Maybe it will be dry on Monday so we can conduct our math class outside.

Tonight's homework: Page 637 (First Column Only). Doing all of the problems is extra credit.

P.S. Taylor, please stop by my room during resource on Monday, as I need to receive your district math test and answer sheet before first period begins. Thanks!

District Math Test, Round Two

Since almost half of the class was at the district track meet, the half that came to class took the district math test.

Tonight's homework: None, if you were in class. If you were at the track meet, remember to complete the district math test and get it back to me by Friday at class time.

Real Life Problems Involving Polynomials

We reviewed how to solve some real problems in life (like diving off a cliff, throwing a ball, etc.) using polynomials, and then got started on our homework.

Tonight's homework: Page 824 (all problems)

When Will We Ever Use This Quadratic Stuff?

Believe it or not, some people use quadratic equations to solve real life problems. If a gymnast throws something into the air, the ribbon or ball's path will follow a parabolic path, and you can determine how high the object travels in the air. You can also determine how long it will take you to hit the water if you are jumping off a cliff. Read the examples in lessons 10.4 and 10.6 for a better understanding of how these work.

Tonight's homework: Lesson 10.4 (55-56) and Lesson 10.6 (64-66)

Using the Distributive Property to Factor

Now that we are becoming proficient with factoring, it is time to make things just a little more complicated. We looked at quadranomials (4 terms), and found common factors to remove from pairs of terms. When done correctly, the resulting expression can be factored even more. This is tricky, but students seemed to follow the procedure with ease. Be sure to refer to Lesson 10.8 should you need a little help with the homework.

Tonight's homework: Lesson 10.8 (21 - 43, odd)

We Are Math Aces!

During our shortened classes, we spent time going over homework problems and then worked with the handheld computers. I was hoping students would work with the Math Ace program, but many chose to play "Hide and Seek" in hopes of finding the bunny.

Tonight's homework: None, but be ready for the quiz on Monday!

Special Cases for Factoring

We investigated several special cases related to factoring. To get more specifics, be sure to read lesson 10.7 before starting on the homework.

Tonight's homework: Lesson 10.7 ( 18 - 61, first column only). There will be a short quiz given on Monday, May 15th, over adding, factoring and multiplying polynomials.

P.S. Lilyanna, I was as surprised as you must have been at Chris being voted off of American Idol. Hmmm, I wonder what next week will bring.

Factoring Trinomials with Multiple Possible Answers

Factoring isn't always as easy as it has been with the problems we have been doing. Today, we began factoring trinomials that have several possible ways to factor the numbers for the first and last terms. The process can be quite cumbersome, but with a little thinking, and a little luck, getting the factors can be a fun exercise.

Tonight's homework: Lesson 10.6 (19 - 41, odd)

Factoring Polynomials, Again

We spent more time factoring binomials and trinomials today, and compared the results with those obtained by using the quadratic equation.

Tonight's homework: Lesson 10.5 (27 - 41, all)

Factoring Binomials and Trinomials

Students used the algebra blocks to help them visualize the area described by certain trinomials. The length and width of the rectangles could be described in terms of x (like x+3 or x+1), and these dimensions are the factors of the binomials and trinomials.

Tonight's homework: Complete the problems on Worksheet 5.

We Ate and Drank Our Algebra Today!

Happy cinco de mayo! We took a quiz over multiplying binomials today. Afterwards, we measured cups as we stacked them, drank lemonade and ate licorice. During this "party", we measured and recorded data that will be graphed as a part of the homework.

Tonight's homework: Complete the "Stacking Cups" and "Let's Party" worksheets for Monday.

The Presentations are Finished!

JImmy and Jessie made their quadratic presentations today, so all are done with this assignment. Students turned in Quadratic WS 4, the one used to help plan the presentation, today.

In addition, we spent some time practicing how to multiply binomials.

Tonight's homework: Complete Worksheet 2, and be ready to take a quiz over this on Friday.

Special Cases for Multiplying Binomials

We examined three special cases that may exist when multiplying binomials. In one case, we looked for patterns when multiplying examples that followed the rule of (a+b)(a-b), and found the answers followed a predictable pattern; namely a^2 - b^2. When multiplying binomials that expressed the sum squared, or (a+b)(a+b), the answers always followed the rule of a^2 + 2ab + b^2. When multiplying binomials that expressed the difference squared, or (a-b)(a-b), the answers always followed the rule of a^2 - 2ab + b^2.

Tonight's homework: Lesson 10.3 (19 - 45, odd)

Learning How to FOIL!

Students are already familiar with the distributive property, and today, we took this one step further by learning how to multiply a binomial by a binomial. First, we used the algebra blocks to help visualize what was going on. Then we moved to more abstract examples on the white board, where we used the FOIL method to multiply.

Tonight's homework: Lesson 10.2 (19 - 43, odd)

Computing with Polynomials

What's a polynomial, you ask? Playing with the algebra blocks helped those of us in class to see how to add and subtract these combinations of expressions containing many terms. Be sure to read over lesson 10.1 so you'll understand how binomials, trinomials and polynomials are similar and different.

Tonight's homework: Lesson 10.1 (19-57, first column only)