Comparing Linear, Quadratic and Exponential Functions

Students reviewed key components of linear, quadratic and exponential functions, as well as the equations that are used in each of these situations.

Tonight's Homework: Lesson 9.8 ( 9 - 21, odd ) and page 553 ( 39, 40, 56 - 61 )

Welcome back, Adrienne!

Adding and Subtracting with Radical Expressions

Students learned how to add and subtract expressions with radicals in them. These are easy to manipulate as long as you remember to simplify the expressions and then combine terms with like radicals.

Tonight's Homework: Radical worksheet and Lesson 9.7 ( 17 - 24 )

Chapter 9 Quiz Today

Students turned in their story problem assignment and then completed a quiz over the first half of chapter 9. All were interrupted by nonsensical "Star Wars" theme music and leftover fudge, but were able to maintain their concentration throughout the quiz.

Tonight's Homework: Complete the worksheet on radical multiplication and division. Remember, showing work is required if you wish to receive credit for this assignment.

Take Your Child to Work Day

Between the advanced band festival in Corvallis and Take Your Child to Work Day, there were very few students attending algebra today. We did not do algebra work today, and instead, participated in making kaleidoscopes.

Tonight's Homework: Be sure to come to class on Friday ready to take the quiz over lessons 9.1 through 9.5.

When Will We Ever Use This Stuff?

Today's lesson asked students to solve a variety of real-life problems involving parabolic shapes (like golf ball or softball paths, diving trajectories or sprinkler patterns). We reviewed several steps students should use to solve the problems.

Tonight's Homework: Page 823 ( 1 - 8 all). It might be wise to sketch a picture to help you see what you're solving for. Also, remember to prepare for the quiz on Friday. It will cover material on Lessons 9.1 - 9.5 .

More Practice With Quadratics

We continued using the quadratic formula to solve equations today, but the answers to today's problems may be a bit messier than yesterday's problems. Don't be alarmed if your answers include square roots of non-perfect square numbers. Just use your calculator to determine the square root of the number (like the square root of 61 is about 7.8) and finish the problem.

Tonight's Homework: Lesson 9.5 ( 30 - 69, Center Column Only, not 54)

Using the Quadratic Formula to Locate X-Intercepts

The quadratic formula, though scary to look at, will allow you to determine where the x-intercepts of a parabola will be, if they exist. Remember, the discriminant can be used to help you determine whether the parabola will have 0, 1, or 2 x-intercepts. The entire quadratic formula can used to determine intercept locations provided the discriminant renders at least one solution possible.

Tonight's Homework: Lesson 9.5 ( 23 - 31, 44 - 50, FCO and 53 - 55 ). Note: All assigned problems should have "pretty" answers (not ones including square roots). Double check your work if you get an answer that includes a radical sign in it.

For all who missed today's class (there were 6 of you!!), I hope you are doing well. Feel free to knock on my window Tuesday morning around 8:20 if you have trouble with tonight's homework. Most of all, take care of yourselves!

How b Affects the Placement of a Parabola on the Coordinate Grid

Now that all presentations have been made, I showed the class how b determines the placement of the line of symmetry of the parabola. The location of the line of symmetry will then give you the x coordinate of the vertex of the parabola. When you know the x coordinate of the vertex, you can put this value into the parabola's equation and determine the y coordinate of the vertex. The formula for determining the line of symmetry of any parabola is -b/2a.

Tonight's Homework: Read lesson 9.3, and answer questions in the first column only ( 21 - 41, FCO) on page 521. In addition, please do 9.2 ( 10 - 46, first column only).

Simplifying Quotients involving Radical Expressions

Simplifying radical expressions involving multiplication seemed pretty easy for most students, so we moved on to learning how to divide with radicals. The nice thing about today's lesson is there are several ways to go about solving these problems, allowing you multiple ways to check or verify your results.

Tonight's Homework: Complete WS 9.2 B, all problems.

Simplifying Radicals

Four students missed class today, so our last quadratic presentation was delayed yet again. Instead of moving forward with chapter 9 work, we spent time learning how to simplify radicals. Basic rules were given during class, and students had time to start tonight's homework.

Tonight's Homework: Complete problems 1 - 16 and 31, 32 on the worksheet.

Quadratic Quiz Today

Students took a quiz over quadratic equations in class today. In addition, they began working on an aquarium problem solving worksheet. Most students finished both tasks prior to the end of the period.

Tonight's Homework: Finish the aquarium problem if you did not finish it in class today. Otherwise, none! Enjoy the long weekend!

P.S. Hi, Maggie! Hope you are feeling better soon. You will need to be prepared to deliver your presentation on your first day back to class. Take care of yourself!

Day 2 of Presentations

More presentations about parabolic placement on the coordinate plane were made in class today. Only one group is left to present their findings.

Tonight's Homework: Study for tomorrow's quiz. Reviewing worksheets 1, 2, 3, 4, and 6 would be wise.

Quadratics Presentations, Day 1

Four groups attempted to present their finding of how "b" affects the location of the parabola on the coordinate grid. Remaining groups will present their findings in class on Wednesday. Students assessed each other during presentations.

Tonight's Homework: Complete Worksheet 6, and be sure to do both sides!

Putting the Final Touches on Presentations

Students used today's class period to finish putting together their presentations for explaining how "b" changes the position of a parabola on the coordinate grid. Each group individually reviewed how to connect their handheld computers to the presentation device. Lastly, students received their weekly grade slips today.

Tonight's Homework: Be ready to present your part tomorrow. Bring everything you need for the presentation to class, including your handheld computer. Don't let your group down!!!

Project Work Day

Students spent most of the period designing their presentations for explaining how they think b impacts the quadratic equations. Presentations will begin on Tuesday, April 8th. Students will be evaluated on content accuracy as well as creativity.

Tonight's Homework: Continue to work on your part of the presentation. Don't let your group down . . .

Trying to Figure Out B

In the standard form of the equation, we are now familiar with how both a and c cause the parabola to shift on the coordinate grid. Today's investigation, which will continue into the next two class periods as well, asks students to design their own investigation to determine how the b coefficient causes the parabola to shift. Tonight's homework was primarily generated by the members of the self-selected groups.

Tonight's Homework: Complete the tasks you agreed to do for your group. Also, be sure to bring the handheld computer back to class tomorrow.

Analyzing Simple Quadratic Equations

Students used the Palms to help them discover how the coefficient of the x squared term changes the parabola that is created on the coordinate grid. Using the Palms allowed students to graph many examples to test theories quickly, rather than taking the time to create individual x-y charts to generate ordered pairs to graph.

We discussed the meaning of the words maximum and minimum as they relate to the parabola's shape. We also talked about the equation of the line that bisects the parabola into 2 equal parts, known as the line of symmetry.

Tonight's Homework: Complete both sides of Quadratic Worksheet 3.

Welcome Back!

Now that spring break is officially over, it's time to start a new unit. We will be learning about quadratic equations, and in doing so, using class time to complete several Palm investigations.

Today, students took a pre-test over the chapter 9 material, as well as learned about the standard form of a quadratic equation. We begin our study of quadratics by looking at the simplest form of these equations, and will increase the complexity of our study as the week progresses.

Tonight's Homework: Complete Quadratic WS 1 for tomorrow.