Happy Halloween!

Because of the social activity this afternoon, classes were shortened. Students completed a work sample in class today after reviewing homework.

Tonight's Homework: None! Enjoy the evening, and be sure to be respectful while you're out trick or treating!!!

Equations with No Solutions or Multiple Solutions

We reviewed the expectations for how to properly check an answer for a problem by restating the original equation first and then showing the substitution. Students then learned how simple math word games can be translated into algebraic expressions. Once this is done, the expressions can be solved. This is the math that is used in some of those "mind reading" games that we sometimes play in math classes.

There are times, when solving equations, that you come across a statement that says something totally false, like "5 = 4". When this happens, there is no value that can be substituted in for the variable to make the problem work. The answer to these types of problems is "No Solution" or "ø".

In other problems, you might reach a point in solving the equation where you end up with a step that states something that is obviously true, like "7 = 7". In this case, any number you substitute in for the variable will work. The answer to these types of problems is "All real numbers".

Tonight's Homework: Page 799 ( 17 - 30 all, solve and check)

Talent Show Shortens Class Period

Since today's class period was so short, we reviewed some basic skills that should increase our ability to solve equations accurately. Students also received feedback about the chapter 2 test, which was taken on Thursday.

Tonight's Homework: Page 137 ( 56 - 75 ) and page 151 ( 67 - 86 ).

Today is Chapter 2 Test Day

Students turned in their homework and then took the chapter 2 test today.

Tonight's Homework: Read Lessons 3.1 and 3.2 in your book. I will not be giving any homework problems from these two lessons, but will expect you to know how to do the types of problems shown in the lessons. Read Lesson 3.3, and then do problems 16 - 39, FCO, complete with check steps and problem 65.

Remember, I will not be available for resource help on Friday, October 27th. Have a terrific weekend!

Reviewing for Chapter Two's Test

After a quick review on how to solve multi-step equations and check the solutions, students reviewed for the chapter two test, which will be given in class on Thursday.

Tonight's Homework: Complete the ten-problem worksheet. Be sure to show your work and check each of your answers.

Chapter 2 Test is Thursday

Students generated a list of topics that will show up on the chapter 2 test on Thursday. It would benefit students greatly to start studying now to prepare themselves adequately for the test.

Tonight's Homework: Complete all 41 problems on page 125 (Chapter 2 Test).

Extra Credit: Write a two paragraph essay describing how you are commited to living a drug, alcohol and tobacco free life this year, and what support you will need to accomplish your goal. This is due on Wednesday, October 25th.

Dividing Real Numbers

Students reviewed rules about dividing numbers. Specifically, we reviewed how sometimes it's more advantageous to multiply by the reciprocal than to take the time to divide.

Tonight's Homework: Lesson 2.7 ( 16 - 56, first column only, 62 - 64, and 72)

The class has decided that they will take the chapter 2 test on Thursday, October 26th. Start studying for it now!

Probability and Odds, day 2

Today, we extended our study of probability and odds to something more tangible--namely color distribution of candy in both Bottle Caps and Sweet Tarts.

Tonight's Homework: Complete the Practice A worksheet and the analysis of the candy activity. Enjoy the beautiful weekend!

Probability and Odds, day 1

After reviewing the definitions of probability and odds, students posed questions about quiz scores and received answers based on the class results. Students were reminded that the probability of an event occurring is always reported as a number between 0 and 1, inclusive. Since percentages are equivalent to decimal numbers, reporting probabilities as a percent is acceptable. Odds relate the chances of something happening to the chances of that same thing not happening. Odds are usually reported as a ratio, and that ratio is seldom reduced to a whole number.

Tonight's Homework: Lesson 2.8 ( 9 - 22, all )

Quiz over the First Half of Chapter Two Today

Today was a review day. First we reviewed several of last night's homework problems. Then we reviewed how to compute with integers, fractions and decimals.

Students took a 10 question quiz over the first four sections of chapter 2.

Tonight's Homework: Page 107 (all 19 problems) and page 113 (75 - 100)

The Distributive Property Can Make Mental Math A Snap

The distributive property is the one property that governs the study of algebra. Students must master this property if they wish to be successful in algebra this year, as it is the basis for polynomial multiplication. Several real life examples were worked for students, and checked with a calculator. Mastering the distributive property will allow students to improve their mental math skills.

Tonight's Homework: Study for the quiz over Lessons 2.1 through 2.4, which will be given in class on Wednesday, October 18th. Also, complete the following book assignment: Lesson 2.6 (16 - 67, first column only, and 73 - 79, odd)

Reviewing Properties of Multiplication

As we continue our review of real number properties, we focused on the properties that govern multiplication. In particular, we revisited the associative, commutative, identity, and inverse properties of multiplication.

Tonight's Homework: Lesson 2.5 (16 - 48, FCO, and 59 - 67, odd). We will take a short quiz over lessons 2.1 - 2.4 on Wednesday.

Matrix Addition and Subtraction

To help students further review adding and subtracting integers, the notion of matrix operations was introduced. Matrices are simple organizational mechanisms that can be used when a large number of related data needs to be manipulated. Students should read Lesson 2.4 before attempting to complete tonight's homework.

Tonight's Homework: Lesson 2.4 (7 - 10, all, 11-21, first column only, 23, 25). Reminder: The last day to take the chapter 1 retest is Wednesday, October 18th.

Properties Related to Adding Real Numbers

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)

We also discussed how these properties do not apply to subtracting real numbers by looking at counterexamples.

Students had abuot 30 minutes in class to work on tonight's homework assignment, so many left with little or no homework!

Tonight's Homework: Lesson 2.1 (18 - 51, first column only, and 51 - 5, odd) and Lesson 2.2 ( 16 - 69, first column only). Don't forget: If you are interested in retaking the chapter 1 test, it must be taken by Wednesday, October 18th. Be sure to study!

Graphing Real Numbers

Students received their chapter 1 tests today. Anyone interested in retaking the test must do so by the end of the school day on Wednesday, October 18th. Remember to review the problems missed, and come when you'll have enough time to complete the entire test.

We reviewed how to graph points and inequalities on a number line today, and talked about the notion of absolute value.

Tonight's Homework: Lesson 2.1 (18 - 47, FCO, and 63 - 75, odd)

Chapter 1 Test is Finally Given!

Well, today the dreaded chapter 1 test was given, and students had the entire period to work on it. Because it's test day, tonight's homework is review in nature.

Tonight's Homework: Page 62 (all problems). Remember, getting your grade slip signed and returned on Tuesday can earn you extra points.

Auf Wiedersehen, Lisa!

Today was Lisa's last day at Monroe before returning to Switzerland. She returned work, answered last minute questions, and thanked students for helping her improve her ability to teach in English. Thank you cards prepared by the students were given to Lisa, as were the Venn diagramming rings she used to teach about set theory.

Tonight's Homework: There is nothing to complete for turning in on Monday, but be sure to study for the chapter 1 test. Reviewing the chapter summary and review problems, as well as your notes, will help you prepare for the test.

Half the Class Opts Out For BINGO!

Students who came to class were surprised with an assignment that will be awarded extra credit points. Students used Venn diagram strategies to help them solve Lisa's "Couch Potato" problem, and then were given a challenge to create their own problems of this type.

Tonight's Homework: Page 57 (all). Remember, extra credit book work is due by Friday, and must be completely corrected when you turn it in if you wish to receive credit for it.

Even Well-Planned Weeks Experience Change!

Many students will not be attending class on Thursday, as our annual magazine drive BINGO reward will take place during period 6. Because of this sudden and unexpected change in the weekly schedule, this week's homework schedule will be altered a bit.

Lisa finished presenting her talk about Switzerland today, and answered a myriad of student-generated questions about her country. Everyone was able to look at the unique features embedded in her passport, and we once again compared locations of Switzerland and Sweden!

Tonight's Homework: Complete the brown problem solving worksheet. Be sure to verify your answer by calculating the answer in a completely different way. Communicate clearly, and be sure to show your work.

Reviewing Chapter 1, Again

Lisa went over the Venn Diagram problems with students, and discussed sticky points that kept students from solving the problems correctly. Two more problems were assigned as homework for tonight.

Tonight's Homework: Complete the new orange worksheet. Do problems 1-5 on page 52 and problems 39-43 on page 51.

Venn Diagrams and Reviewing Chapter One

Lisa spent some time reviewing the graphs related to the volume vs. height of different bottles, and at least a few students were able to determine the error in their thinking when answering last week's homework problems. She then reviewed the use of Venn diagraming as a tool to solve potentially complicated word problems.

We are nearing the end of chapter one, so we negotiated some times for quizzes and the chapter test. The next quiz will be on Tuesday, October 3rd, and the chapter one test will be given on Monday, October 9th.

Tonight's Homework: Complete the orange worksheet, do problems 1 - 26 on page 22, and problems 1 - 13 on page 39 of your text. Remember to study for the quiz as well!