And We're Back!

Welcome back from spring break! We spent the day reviewing how to take the square roots of numbers by creating tables of values for several different radical equations. Once the tables of values were created, students plotted at least some of their data on the grids provided. The focus of today's lesson was to look for similarities and differences between the different equations and their graphs.

Tonight's homework: Complete the first pink worksheet completely, including the questions on each side of the paper. On the second pink worksheet, create tables of values for each of the equations.

Spring Break Finally Arrives!

We finished up state math testing today. Congratulations to everyone for doing a terrific job this time around.

Tonight's Homework: None. Have a restful spring break!

State Math Testing Continues

We spent the class period working on the state math test. Many students were able to complete the test today, while others will be able to complete the test tomorrow in class. Preliminary scores look great!

Tonight's Homework: None.

State Math Testing Begins

Students spent the class period taking the first part of the state math test. Students will complete this test by the end of the class on Thursday. Good luck!

Tonight's Homework: None, unless you have concept tests to pass.

Preparing for the State Test

Students looked at a wide variety of questions that could show up on the state math test this year. We reviewed how to eliminate possible wrong answers with confidence, as well as how to ensure you get the correct answer more often than not. Students were encouraged to bring rulers, protractors, colored markers and a calculator to the testing session. Scratch paper and grid paper will be provided. Students are encouraged to draw pictures, tables and charts whenever possible to help clarify the problems they are asked to solve. Most importantly, students should not try to speed through the test.

Tonight's Homework: Complete the 6 problems on the yellow worksheet.

Transformations Review

Since classes were shortened today, students worked on a puzzle today, using the clues provided to translate, rotate, reflect and dilate different portions of a mystery word. (Most students discovered the mystery word was "dog" with little difficulty.)

Tonight's Homework: Finish the transformation worksheet, and make sure all missing work is completed and turned in.

Solving Proportions Algebraically

We took a break from computing with rational numbers today, and instead focused on solving proportions. We reviewed how to set up proportions, and then used cross products to solve for the missing variable.

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

Rationalizing the Denominator

Students learned how to rationalize the denominator of radical expressions today. This is necessary because the general expectation among mathematicians is to write expressions that do not have square root symbols in the denominator.

Tonight's Homework: Complete the pink worksheet you started yesterday, making sure all denominators are clear of radical signs. Also, do lesson 9.2( 11 - 49, odd ). Be sure to show your work.

Dividing Radical Expressions

Students received feedback on the concept 11 tests. Most students did well. For those who did not pass the test, it might be wise to try and retake the test prior to leaving for spring vacation.

We continued to work on simplifying radical expressions, and focussed on how to divide with radicals. Much of the process is similar to simplifying fractions, and that is what we concentrated on today. We will learn the second step of the process on Friday.

Tonight's Homework: Simplify the problems on the pink worksheet as much as you can.

Concept 11 Test Taken Today

Students corrected last night's homework and turned it in. The rest of the class period was spent taking the test over exponents (Concept 11).

Tonight's Homework: Complete the worksheet you received in class today. Be sure to simplify your answers completely.

Multiplying and Simplifying Radical Expressions

After reviewing for the Concept 11 test, we returned to multiplying radical expressions. We focussed on coming up with the most simplified version of the expression, and likened it to the steps for multiplying fractions. There are several different ways to multiply both fractions and radicals: simplify and then multiply, or multiply and then simplify. Either is fine, provided you do each step properly. (You can find the rules for simplifying radicals on pages 511 and 512 of your textbook.)

Tonight's Homework: Study for the test you'll take on Wednesday over exponents (concept 11). Complete the yellow worksheet you received in class. Be sure to simplify your answers completely!

Introduction to Adding Square Roots

We reviewed the concept 11 practice test answers. Students did not turn this in, so they can begin studying for Wednesday's test.

After a short review of how to take the square root of numbers, we began learning how to simplify square roots so they can be added. The key to this is being able to factor numbers into pairs of factors that contain at least one perfect square. We will continue to work on this idea later in the week.

Tonight's Homework: Complete the worksheet (both sides).