Graduation Video Problem

We cleaned out the math section of our notebooks today. Students should only have a few papers in their math sections, related to systems of linear equations and problem solving.

Students were given 40 minutes of class time to work on the Graduation Video Problem. Most were able to get at least 2/3 of the assignment done in class

Tonight's Homework: Finish the Graduation Video Problem and the white worksheet on measurement.

Solving Systems of Linear Inequalities

We reviewed how to graph inequalities (solid or dotted line, how to determine where the shading is), and then used that information to graph two inequalities on the same coordinate grid. The intersection of the shaded areas ends up being the set of points that meet the parameters of both of the original inequalities.

Tonight's Homework: Lesson 7.6 ( 16 - 24, even) Please use different colors to graph each of the inequalities for a problem. The answer will be the area where the colors are mixed.

More Work on Systems of Linear Equations

Today, we turned in homework, and received weekly grade slips and last week's graded work. We reviewed the three different ways to solve systems of linear equations (graphing, substitution, linear combinations) and the three types of solutions that could result (point of intersection, no point of intersection, or an infinite number of points of intersection). Systems that have no point of intersection show parallel lines. Systems that have an infinite numbers of points of intersection are coincidental lines.

Students spent about half the period working in groups on the Rock Band problem. Students will finish working on this problem in class on Tuesday.

Tonight's Homework: Complete the yellow worksheet, and show your work. Also do Lesson 7.4 ( 19 - 21, 23 - 25, and 28 - 29 ).

Using Systems of Equations in Real Life Situations

So, when will we ever use these strategies for solving systems of equations in real life? Today we discovered the answer to this question by looking at word problems related to buying bird food for feeders, riding different rides at a carnival, determining the number of coins in one's pocket, and just random number problems.

Tonight's Homework: Complete the worksheet you received in class today. Be sure to show your work, and use an algebraic approach when you solve each problem.

Solving Systems of Equations by Linear Combinations

Today, we learned yet another way to solve systems of linear equations. This method finds the intersection of lines without graphing and without substituting. Today's focus was on combining the two equations, with the intent of eliminating one of the variables from the resulting sum. Please refer to Lesson 7.3 in your textbook for specifics on how to solve systems of equations using the linear combination method.

Tonight's Homework: Lesson 7.3 ( 31 - 37, all). Once again, to get full credit, please show all work.

P.S. Confirmation notes were sent home with students whose parents requested conferences last week. Please look for the note inside a sealed envelope.

Solving Systems of Equations by Substitution

We learned another way to solve systems of linear equations today. This method finds the intersection of lines without graphing. Please refer to Lesson 7.2 in your textbook for specifics on how to solve systems of equations using the substitution method.

Tonight's Homework: Lesson 7.2 ( 17 - 29, odd). To get credit, please show all work.

Chapter 7--Systems of Linear Equations

Today, we began a new unit, and the material we'll be studying is in chapter 7 of the textbook. We will be solving systems of linear equations, meaning we will be trying to find the point that two or more lines actually have in common. This point will be identified as the point of intersection. For today's lesson, we will graph two lines on a coordinate grid, and determine the point where the lines intersect.

Tonight's Homework: Lesson 7.1 ( 20 - 28, all). Please remember to complete all work on grid paper.

Concept 10 Test Taken Today

After reviewing last night's homework, students completed the tenth concept test in class. Most students were able to complete this and an additional sheet with 6 problems on it. We will begin a new unit of study on Tuesday.

Tonight's Homework: Complete the worksheet if you didn't do so in class today. Enjoy the three day weekend!

P.S. Taylor, I have received your concept 9 test but nothing else. Hope things didn't get lost.

Problem Solving Day

Students solved a geometry-based problem in class today. Many forgot to verify their results by solving the problem a second, different way. Ouch!

Tonight's Homework: Complete the white "Algebra Relationships" worksheet if you didn't get it done in class. Study for the concept 10 test.

Results from Concept Test 9 and Preparing for Concept Test 10

Students received scored Concept 9 tests today. We reviewed the major sticking points that cost students precious points, and, in some cases, enough points to not pass the test.

Afterwards, students worked in groups on a review sheet for Concept 10.

Tonight's Homework: Complete the Concept 10 Group worksheet. Do problems 17 - 22 on page 366, and Lesson 6.5 ( 15 - 22, all ). The Concept 10 test will be given on Friday, January 16th.

Concept 9 Test Taken in Class Today

Five students were unable to come to class today. I hope all is well with each of you.

Signed grade slips and conference letters were collected. Those who came to class took the concept 9 test. Most were able to complete the test with at least 15 minutes left over to start on homework.

Tonight's Homework: Lesson 6.5 ( 43 - 48, 50 - 60 even, 70 and 71 ). Please remember we will be taking the Concept 10 test on Friday, January 16th.

Recognition Assembly Cancels Majority of Class

Congratulations to the 15 of you who were recognized for academic achievement, improvement, effort or outstanding citizenship at today's awards assembly. I am so proud of all of you! Actually, I am proud of all of my algebra students, as you are working very hard to do well in all of your classes, including mine.

Because we only had 20 minutes of actual class time, no new homework was assigned.

Tonight;s Homework: Get the conference letter signed so you can return it to me tomorrow. Study for the concept 9 test, which will be given in class on Tuesday.

Stop the Drumming!

Today, we took the concept 8 test, amid lots of drumming and cow bells and other rhythmic distractions. All survived, but we had to groan and laugh at the number of disruptive sounds we endured. Next week has to be better, don't you think???

Tonight's Homework: Complete all 3 pages of the concept 10 practice test for Monday.

Reviewing for the Concept 8 Test

Today we spent the period reviewing for the upcoming 3 concept tests. Concept 8 test will be taken in class on Friday. We will take Concept 9 test on Tuesday, and then take the Concept 10 test on either Thursday or Friday of next week. Students were given a review sheet for concept 10 to complete as homework, and then given a choice of two review sheets to complete for extra credit.

Tonight's Homework: Complete the practice worksheet for concept 10. Please come to class ready to take the concept 8 test.

More on Graphing Inequalities on the Coordinate Plane

Students were given a list of 5 easy steps to use when graphing on the coordinate plane. Afterwards, each student took a self-assessment to determine how much growth they've made in their abilities to solve problems related to linear equations.

Tonight's Homework: Complete both sides of Palm Worksheet 7 and 8. Be sure to shade!

Graphing Inequalities on the Coordinate Plane

Welcome back and Happy New Year!

We spent a considerable amount of time reviewing things related to linear equations (slope, y-intercept, parallel lines, perpendicular lines, standard form, slope-intercept form). Students were encouraged to ask clarifying questions to help prepare them for the upcoming concept tests.

We talked about graphing inequalities and how these are similar to graphing equations. Students learned about using the origin as a test point to help them determine which side of the line to shade.

Tonight's Homework: Complete both sides of the worksheet.