Graphing on the Handhelds is Soooo Much Faster!

Students received quiz scores from yesterday's quiz. Many are showing improvement in their quiz scores (yeah!).

We learned how to use a program on the handheld computers that will allow us to quickly and efficiently graph linear equations. We can now graph lines, change their colors, and delete unwanted equations.

Tonight's Homework: Page 208 ( 42 - 52 ) and Page 217 ( 81 - 98 ). Oh, and more importantly, pray for freezing rain!

The Kites are Taking Shape!

Today was a busy, yet productive day. Students did very well on last night's graphing homework. Students took a 10 problem quiz over simplifying expressions and solving inequalities and equations. As students finished, they began assembling the tetrahedral structures into larger, kite-like shapes.

Tonight's Homeework: Complete the graphing homework. Using different colors for each line will make your homework both colorful and easier to read. Be sure to include a key.

Dressing the Tetrahedra with Tissue Paper

The next phase of building our kites took place today, as we attached tissue paper to two sides of each of the tetrahedra. Most were able to complete this task in class today, but some had to take the materials home to finish the task.

Students will take a short quiz in class tomorrow. This quiz will cover simplifying expressions, solving equations and solving inequalities.

We reviewed how to graph linear equations using x-y data tables, and will use this skill to complete some of tonight's homework problems.

Tonight's Homework: Lesson 4.2 ( 30 - 50 even and 52 - 55 all )

And most importantly, pray for snow and a school closure this week!

More Sucking String Through Straws

Students completed the task of creating 4 tetrahedral structures by sucking string through straws today. Most finished the task by the end of the class period, but some students had to take materials home so they could finish the last one (or two) tetrahedral structures over the long weekend.

Tonight's Homework: Complete questions 1 - 3 on the "Bernoulli Was a Birdbrain" worksheet. This will be due at the beginning of class on Monday, November 27th.

Have a safe and happy Thanksgiving. And, Go Beavers!!!

Math Really Sucked Today!

Today found us sucking string through straws in an attempt to make tetrahedral models. Students will be required to have 4 of these tetrahedral forms made by the end of the class period tomorrow.

Tonight's Homework: Complete the worksheet that was handed out in class today.

Don't forget to wear your Duck or Beaver colors tomorrow!

Reviewing and Inflatable Games

About a third of the class was either absent or left to go to the inflatable games. Because of this, today we worked on a review worksheet that helped solidify the process of distributing with negative signs.

Tonight's Homework: Page 783 ( 33 - 65 )

Chapter Tests Returned and Reviewed

Students received their chapter 3 tests back today. Many did well, but about a third of the students need help with fractions and distributing. Retakes for the chapter 3 test will begin on Monday, November 27th.

Tonight's Homework: Page 783 ( 1 - 32 all )

Math in the Library

We saved a few lung cells today, and moved our math class to the library today. While there, students completed the chapter 3 test.

Tonight's Homework: None!!!

Chapter Three Test is Tomorrow

We reviewed almost every problem that was assigned for homework last night so students could see the areas that might cause problems on tomorrow's test. We also reviewed what to expect to see on tomorrow's test. The highlights include:

a. Solving and Checking Equations--show all steps and substitute carefully
b. Solving and Checking Inequalities--choose values to check judiciously
c. Rewriting equations in terms of another variable
d. Using rates and ratios to solve problems
e. Vocabulary definitions
f. Properties
g. Probabilities and odds

Tonight's Homework: Study for the chapter 3 test. If you'd like to earn some extra credit, you may complete the 34 questions in the chapter review section of chapter 3. This must be turned in by tomorrow, and you'll need to check it completely to get the full number of points available.

Chapter 3 Test is On Its Way

Today we reviewed for the chapter three test, which will be given on Thursday, November 16th during sixth period. Students should begin preparing for it today. Reviewing the recent quiz and problems missed on chapter 3 homework assignments would be useful things to do.

Tonight's Homework: Complete the Chapter 3 test in the book. Check steps are required.

Rates, Ratios and Proportions

We created a list of rates that are commonly used by students, teachers and adults. Each of these rates can be thought of as a ratio, and can be written as a fraction. When solving word problems that involve rates, it is important to understand the ratios can be written in 2 different ways, depending on the units required to answer the question asked. For example, a rate can be written as miles per gallon or gallons per mile.

Tonight's Homework: Read Lesson 3.8, and then do problems 11 - 17 all, and 23 - 37, all.

Enjoy the Long Weekend!

Today proved to be a busy day in our algebra class. First, we cleaned out our notebooks and discarded all of the work from chapters 1 and 2, as well as all of the problem solving work. This lightened the load considerably for all students.

Desks were transported to the cafeteria in preparation for our annual conference event.

Students took a quiz over equation and inequality solving.

Tonight's Homework: None! Enjoy the break . . . We'll be back at it on Monday.

Rewriting Formulas in Terms of Another Variable

Sometimes working with formulas can be simplified if we rewrite the given formula in terms of the variable we are looking for. For example, A = lw may be easier to use if it's written l = A/w. We practiced rewriting at least 10 formulae in terms of other variables, starting with simple formulae and moving to more complex ones.

There will be a quiz over equation and inequality solving given in class on Wednesday, November 8th. Be sure to prepare for it.

Tonight's Homework: Lesson 3.7 ( 11 - 14 all, 34 - 39, 45, 46, 50 - 61)

Solving Inequalities

Solving inequalities is basically the same as solving equations with one slight exception: If you ever multiply or divide the inequality by a negative number, you must switch the nature of the inequality sign (i.e. < switches to become > ) in order for the answer to be correct.

Showing the check step for inequalities can be much simpler, since you can choose the number you'd like to use when checking. I would suggest using 0, 1, or some power of 10 whenever you can to check your work, as these numbers are usually the ones that will allow you to do the math quite quickly in your head.

Tonight's Homework: Do the front sides of both worksheets, and the backside of one of the sheets. Check steps are required.

Reviewing Equation Solving

Tonight's Homework: Page ( 62 - 71 ) and (1 - 12). No check steps required tonight--whew!

Solving Equations with Decimals

Tonight's Homework: Read Lesson 3.6 and then do problems 14 - 18 even, 20 - 42, FCO and 59. Be sure to read the directions carefully.