Using the Handheld to Graph Linear Equations

Because students did such a nice job for the substitute for the last 2 days, we took some time today to learn how to use the PowerOne graphing program on the handheld computers. We used our homework problems from last night as the equations to graph, and explored how to use several features of the graphing program.

Tonight's Homework: Complete the handout you received in class today titled "Worksheet 2". Be sure to label each of the axes on your grids.

Graphing Linear Equations

Students corrected homework and then took a pre-test over linear equations. This pre-test will give me an idea of what students remember from last year's instruction. The pre-test is not graded.

After the pre-tests were completed, students received a worksheet to complete entitled "Worksheet 1". All lines are to be recorded on the same grid, so be sure to use a different color for each of the lines, and include a key.

Tonight's Homework: Complete Worksheet 1.

Determining Points for an Assignment Problem

I decided to make today a little easier since I'm at a workshop, and don't know if my substitute is able to really teach algebra. This being said, students reviewed homework problems, and then had the period to solve a problem related to awarding points to an assignment.

Tonight's Homework: Page 787 (all 26 problems)

P.S. If you missed class today, please plan to come in Friday morning to make up the problem.

Graphing Lines

We reviewed the 3 different types of lines that can be drawn on a coordinate grid: vertical, horizontal and sloped (diagonal, as defined by Chris). Vertical lines can be described by an equation of the form x = k, where k is a numerical constant. Horizontal lines can be defined by an equation in the form of y = k. Sloped lines can be described by equations of the form Ax + By = C, where A, B, and C are numbers.

Tonight's Homework: Read Lesson 4.2, and then do 4.2 ( 12 - 20, 21 - 48 FCO and 67 - 70 ).

P.S. Get well, Grace and Kelsi!!!

Getting Back to Math

After a long vacation and an even longer Monday at school, we eased back into math by reviewing several recent assignments. Students saw how to solve the deer/bird problem by using algebaic equations. We talked about multiple solutions to the tile and cube problems, and ended with how to set up age problems with equations.

Tonight's Homework: Lesson 4.1 (10 - 26 all, 27 - 37 odd, and 42 - 52). In addition, students are encouraged to review their chapter 3 tests. All students scoring lower than 80% on the test are expected to come in and meet with me before retaking the test.

Finishing Up Loose Ends

We spent today's class period finishing up chapter 3 tests, a problem solving activity, and other math related tasks.

Tonight's Homework: Finish the problem solving activity for Monday if you didn't already turn it in today. Have a relaxing Thanksgiving holiday weekend!

Chapter 3 Test Today

Students took the chapter 3 test today during class time.

Tonight's Homework: Complete one of the two problems listed on the handout. Be sure to do all parts!

Setting Up Equations From Word Problems

We reviewed what will be on tomorrow's test. Students then spent time working on a word problem worksheet. The emphasis is for students to identify variables and set up equations that will help them solve the problems algebraically. No credit will be given for answers alone--equations must be written and solved!

Tonight's Homework: Complete problems 1 - 8 on the worksheet. Problems nine and ten will be tackled later.

OMSI Assembly Cancels Algebra Class

Today's class period was canceled so students could attend a very special OMSI assembly in the large gym. The assembly, "React-O-Blast", involved a variety of interactive demonstrations to emphasize the physical and chemical characteristics of several substances. It was truly a BLAST!!!! A special thanks goes to the Eugene Education Foundation for granting us the money to pay for this and 2 other wonderful assemblies for Monroe students and staff. Another big thank you goes to all algebra students who came in early to help move desks, chairs, and animals so the assemblies were ready to go by 9 a.m. You all rock!

Tonight's Homework: Begin preparing for the Chapter 3 test. It will be given in class on Tuesday, November 20th.

A Class Without Desks!

Students moved desks to the cafeteria in preparation for today's parent conference event. This left us to work without desks for the majority of today's class. Students used their time to complete most of today's problem solving activity, which will be due on Monday, November 19th.

Tonight's Homework: Complete the Growing Dots paper, with thorough explanations of your thinking. Papers with just answers and no work will not be accepted.

Ratios, Proportions and Percents

Today's lesson centered on the real-world applications of using algebraic equations to solve problems. We went over how proportions can be set up, flipped and used to solve common problems.

Tonight's Homework: Lesson 3.6 ( 23 - 39, all ). We will be taking the test over Chapter 3 on Tuesday, November 20th, so start preparing now. Looking over the chapter review and chapter test in your math book would be good things to do now, so you can ask for help on Monday.

More Word Problems

We reviewed the agenda for the week (only 3 classes this week due to OMSI assemblies and an early release on Friday). Afterwards, we went over several of the quiz questions, as students showed some neediness in certain areas. Grade slips were distributed to all present, and can be returned for extra credit tomorrow.

Tonight's Homework: Page 817 ( 1 - 11 ).

Word Problems that Involve Variables in Equations

We talked about how word problems can be translated into equations, and focussed on how to do problems that involve sales tax. Tonight's homework will address these types of problems.

Students took a quiz (that took longer than I thought it would take) in class today.

Tonight's Homework: Lesson 3.6 (again), problems 49 - 59b. Enjoy your long weekend!

Reviewing for Tomorrow's Quiz

Students were given time to review for tomorrow's quiz, which will be over solving equations with variables on both sides of the equal sign, rewriting formulae for a given variable, and writing spreadsheet formulae for given cells.

Tonight's Homework: Both sides of the worksheet that was given out in class.

More Work with Solving Decimal Equations

We reviewed solving problems with decimals, and found that many of our errors are arithmetic rather than conceptual. Slowing down and concentrating on what we're doing should help eliminate these errors.

We continued working on the spreadsheet formula sheet.

Tonight's Homework: Lesson 3.6 (22 - 39, last column only ). In addition, be sure to bring your completed spreadsheet worksheets to class.

Solving Equations With Decimals

In Lesson 3.6, we learn that we can take control of equations that have decimals in them by multiplying the entire equation by some power of 10. For example, if there are decimals like 4.5 and 8.2 in the equation, one can multiply by 10 and get 45 and 82. If the decimals are 3.9 and 2.74, then multiplying by 100 would be a better choice, and you'd end up with 390 and 274.

Tonight's Homework: Lesson 3.6 ( 20 - 38, FCO)

Talent Show Preview Shortens Class

We reviewed how to rewrite equations in terms of a different variable. Students had troubles with isolating variables and how to deal with fractions in the equations.

Tonight's Homework: Page 186 ( 1 - 12, but not 7 or 8 ) and page 192 ( 28 - 31 ).

Formulae and Functions

We spent some time looking at different ways to write the same formula. For instance, the formula for the area of a rectangle is generally written as A = lw . This formula can be rewritten as a function of l (l = A/w) or w (w = A/l), depending on which variable you are searching for.

The second part of class was dedicated to using the spreadsheets on the computers to help us with the rewriting of formulae.

Tonight's Homework: Lesson 3.7 ( 15 - 29 all; show work)