Equation Solving Using Multiplication and Division

We reviewed how to solve one-step equations requiring the use on multiplication and division. Students were reminded that multiplication is the inverse operation of division, and division can "undo" multiplication. We also looked at how multiplying by the reciprocal of a number might actually be easier to use than dividing by the original number, especially when fractions are involved. Students are once again encouraged to read the lesson before attempting to complete the story problems.

Tonight's Homework: Lesson 3.2 ( 25 - 46, MCO and check steps, 57 - 60 )

Solving One Step Equations

Today, we reviewed how to solve equations involving addition and subtraction. Checking answers in the original equations is an expected part of solving the equations, and students should practice including proper check steps in all of their work.

Tonight's Homework: Lesson 3.1 ( 21 - 39, FCO, with check steps for 33, 36 and 39 and 46, 47 ). Remember, getting your grade slip signed and returned on Tuesday is extra credit.

Wrapping Up the Week

Students turned in homework today after we went over it. Students took a quiz over order of operations, formulas, and sets of numbers.

Tonight's Homework: Building a Deck worksheet (both sides). Be advised that answers should include labels, and one answer on the back does not have enough information to be completely answered.

Quiz Tomorrow

After reviewing the story problem assignment, we talked about what students should actually study so they are prepared for Friday's quiz. Reviewing formulas, definitions of number sets, how to distribute, and how to add and subtract matrices would be good things to do prior to class on Friday.

Tonight's Homework: Finish the practice sheet you received in class today, and then do problems 1 - 18 on pages 126 and 127. Work needs to be shown whenever possible.

Story Problems and the Distributive Problem

We reviewed how to solve word problems in a logical and sequential manner today. The steps include:
1.) Read the problem.
2.) Write a formula to help you solve the problem.
3.) Substitute known values into the formula.
4.) Simplify and/or solve the problem.
5.) Label your answer with units.
6.) Check your answer to see that it makes sense.

Tonight's Homework: Lesson 2.6 ( 75 - 85 and 102 - 107, all )

Integer Addition and Subtraction Using Matrices

Students learned how to set up a matrix (see definition on page 86), and then we learned how to add and subtract them. This new concept will allow students to practice integer addition and subtraction in a novel way. Students had 20 minutes of class time to get started on their homework, and many were able to complete 6 of the 9 assigned problems. (I am concerned, though, about those who chose to do no math during this time . . .)

Tonight's Homework: Lesson 2.4 ( 8 - 22, even and 30 ).

Absolute Value

Students received weekly grade slips today. Those wishing to earn extra credit can get them signed and returned to me by class time on September 23rd.

Students also received quiz and concept test #1 results today. We reviewed the birthday problem in class, and then learned about absolute value. Students were given two definitions for the term, along with several examples of what the absolute value of a given number would look like. Students then used simple equations involving absolute value to determine that these often have two answers. The teacher modeled how to solve problems with absolute value components, and then showed how to check the answers.

We ended class early today because we won an ice cream party. Thanks, Karly, for submitting the winning ticket. The ice cream was delicious!

Tonight's Homework: Lesson 2.1 ( 41 - 53 all ), and Lesson 6.1 ( 19 - 37, FCO).

Concept Assessment and Quiz Today

Our class period was shortened today, due to the annual Magazine Drive assembly taking place at the end of the day. Even so, students were able to complete the planned testing event during class.

Tonight's Homework: Complete the "Maddie's birthday" problem on the pink worksheet. Be sure to label your answer, show your work clearly, and verify that your answer makes sense. This is due on Monday.

Plotting Points on a Number Line

Students were reminded of how to record points on a number line. Next, we reviewed how to record inequalities on a number line. Remember, when working with problems with < or > signs, the circle is open ( O ), but when working with ≤ or ≥ signs, the circle is closed ( • ).

Tonight's Homework: Be ready for tomorrow's quiz. Do the six board problems, and then do the book homework on page 56 ( 14 - 17) and page 57, ( 1 - 8 and 12 ).

Translating English into Expressions and Equations

We reviewed the process a person should use to transcribe a word problem into a mathematical expression or equation. This information is described well in Lesson 1.5, so you might want to check out this section in the book.

Please remember we will be taking a test on Friday, covering concept assessment 1, number sets and formulas.

Tonight's Homework: Lesson 1.5 ( 13 - 28, FCO and 39 - 47, odd ). Be sure to give the purple Open House invitation to your parents, and encourage them to come to tomorrow night's event.

Formulas, Definitions of Number Sets, and Division

We will be taking a quiz on Friday, September 19th. The quiz has two parts: part one is the first concept test, and part two is over definitions and formulae. Refer to your notes about types of numbers (whole, counting, integers, rational, etc.) and formulae (mathematical sentences) as you begin studying for the quiz this week.

Be sure to read over Lesson 2.7 before getting started on the homework, especially if you were one of the 5 people who missed class today.

Tonight's Homework: Lesson 2.7 ( 16 - 56, FCO, and 72, 73 )

The Distributive Property--Again

Students received grade slips and a letter from the district outlining changes in the algebra curriculum for this year. Both need to be taken home and signed by a parent.

We reviewed the distributive property today, and focussed on how completing the process includes paying attention to signs (+ and -) attached to numbers as well as being able to combine like terms properly.

Tonight's Homework: Lesson 2.6 ( 18 - 67, FCO and problems 102 - 107). Oh, and don't forget to get parent signatures on your grade slip and district letter.

Taner, Taylor and Hunter: Hope you are feeling better real soon. Let me know if I can send any materials home with a neighbor if you are staying home on Tuesday.

Concept Assessment Test #1 Given Today

Students took the first of the concept tests today. Those who finished early were able to start on tonight's homework assignment.

Tonight's Homework: Page 783 ( 1 - 32, all ). Be sure to show work, and put a box or circle around each answer.

Hi, Nick and Taner! Hope to see you both on Monday. Take care of yourselves!

Coefficients and Variables

We reviewed the definitions of the words variable and coefficient, and then looked at many different examples of expressions that included both of these components. After correcting homework, students worked in groups to review for the first concept test by playing a math version of jeopardy.

Tonight's Homework: Quiz 1 on page 85, and Quiz 2 on page 107 (omit problems 1 and 19 on this page). Come to class tomorrow prepared to take Concept Test one.

Expressions, Equations, & Inequalities

Students took notes on the differences between expressions, equations and inequalities today. These notes are meant to help students understand the reading assignment as well as serve as additional examples to help students if they get stuck on assigned homework problems.

Tonight's Homework: Read lesson 1.4, and then do 1.4 ( 14 - 53, FCO, 56 - 64 even, and 69 - 75 odd). If you didn't complete the second Venn diagram worksheet in class today, be sure to do so tonight.

Exponents and Exponential Notation

Much of the class time was dedicated to establishing operating procedures that will be followed on a regular basis. Students came in and completed a warm-up on using the distributive property. We then corrected homework, and reviewed a few troublesome problems.

Students received a copy of the course description. Many questions were answered about grading and homework concerns. We discussed the expectations about correcting homework at home whenever possible, showing work to get full credit, papers with no names, and the like.

Tonight's Homework: Get course description signed and returned on 9/10. Complete the order of operations review worksheet. Read Lesson 1.2, and then do 1.2 ( 17 - 45, FCO, and 65)

Books Distributed and Review Lesson

We reviewed the homework, and then took time away from class to check out our textbooks. Once everyone received a textbook, students covered the books and inspected them for damage.

Because covering the textbooks took quite a bit of time, we did not have much time for reviewing the lesson. It's a good thing that today's lesson covers orders of operations, which has been covered extensively in previous math classes.

Tonight's Homework: Read lesson 1.3, which covers order of operations. Then do Lesson 1.3 ( 13 - 35, FCO; 38 - 40, and all questions in Quiz 1 on page 22).

Remember, FCO stands for "first column only".

Problem Solving Worksheets

Today, we talked about how Venn diagrams can be used to collect data and display it. We surveyed the class today, and found that there were 13 eighth graders in our class who are taking Spanish, 11 eighth graders who aren't taking Spanish, four students taking Spanish but are not eighth graders, and 2 who don't fall in either category. This means that 24 eighth graders were present in class on Friday. Of those who attended class on Friday, 15 are in a Spanish class. Thirty students were surveyed in our poll.

We practiced where to go during fire drills before getting started on tonight's homework.

Tonight's Homework: Complete the Venn diagram and Math on the Spot worksheets. Both are due on Monday, September 8th. Extra credit is available on the "Math on the Spot" worksheet.

And We're Off!

Students heard about some new things that will be incorporated in our algebra class today. Students worked together to solve a problem related to a $1000 tip.

Tonight's Homework: Read the "Missed Algebra?" handout and then sign it. Have your parent do the same.

Welcome to the 2008-2009 School Year!

The purpose of this blog is to serve as a back-up system for students to access homework-related information when they miss a class unexpectedly (due to medical appointments, illness, office visits, etc.) and were unable to record homework in their planners. As a general rule, homework is written on the whiteboard or the overhead by the middle of class and ample time is allowed for students to copy this information onto their planners. Occasionally, homework assignments may be modified before the end of a class period, and if this happens after a student leaves for the day, checking this blog would be useful.

Both parents and students should benefit from the information posted on this blog.

Please note that this blog is not designed to replace the use of student planners, as there may be times when the homework assignment will not be posted in a timely manner (i.e. I am sick, I have afternoon and evening meetings, etc.). Students should always refer to their planners first, and use this as a method to double check. (I also encourage students to call a classmate to get information, or to call me. It's okay, and if I'm not available when called, leave a message so I know you tried!)

Most importantly, please know that I will not accept any blog-related excuses for not being able to complete and submit homework (the computer/internet was down/I forgot the address/the blog wasn't updated/etc.). Be sure to use other resources (your planner, a friend, me) should your computer connections fail you, and don't wait until late in the evening to seek help!