Mixed Practice with Systems of Equations

Today, we took some time in class to see how well we really understand each of the methods for solving systems of equations. After correcting homework, we completed up to 10 problems from the in class algebra books, and then checked our answers. Our progress was slow, but mainly accurate. Practice will increase our speed, I'm sure.

Tonight's Homework: Complete the two pink worksheets you received in class today.

Snow Cancels School Today!

Since classes were canceled for the day, there's nothing for you to worry about. Enjoy the day off!

Tonight's Homework: Nothing new--but be sure previous assignments are done and ready for when we resume classes!

Real Life Applications for Systems of Equations

Today, we looked at a variety of situations where a person could use a system of equations to solve a problem. Specifically, we looked at boats traveling with and against the current, trains leaving a station simultaneously, income and expense equations, plant growth rates, and carpeting a room with materials from different stores.

Tonight's Homework: Complete the white and pink worksheets you received in class today. For those who would like the day off tomorrow, think ICE!

Solving Systems of Equations by Combinations

A third way to solve systems of equations is to somehow combine the equations in such a way so one of the variables is eliminated from the equations. This method goes by several different names, including combination, elimination, or adding. Regardless of the name, the process is the same. Once this method was demonstrated, most students felt this method was perhaps the most efficient (or quickest) way to solve a systems problem.

Tonight's Homework: Complete the pink worksheet with 8 problems on it. You will need to each problem 3 ways: by graphing, by substitution, and by combinations (elimination). Each way should give you the same answer.

Systems Practice

Students reviewed how to use each of the methods we've learned to solve systems problems.

Tonight's Homework: Big Book, page 376 (1, 5 and 6). This assignment will be due on Wednesday for period 2 students, due to NAEP testing that will take place on Tuesday morning.

Enjoy the long weekend!

Ten Concept Tests Down, Six To Go!!

Students took the test over concept 9 (graphing inequalities) today in class. This leaves only 6 more concept tests and the state math test to tackle between now and the end of the school year.

Tonight's Homework:Complete both sides of the pink worksheet you received in class today.

Split Assignments for Algebra Classes Today

Period 2 students looked at intersecting lines, and interpreted the meaning of them. Period 6 students looked at a second way of solving systems of equations: Solving by Substitution. The homework for each class is different, and is listed below.

Tonight's Homework:
Period 2: Graph the quarter and dime data from the activity we started in class. In the Big Book, read pages 349-351. Do page 352-3 ( 1- 3, 11, 12).

Period 6: Big Book, pages 365-366 ( 4 - 6 ).

Both classes will take the test over concept 9 on Wednesday, February 16th. Please start preparing for it now.

Solving Systems of Equations by Graphing

Students used the coordinate grid to determine the solutions to systems of equations. They discovered that one of three things will happen:
a. The lines will intersect at one point
b. The lines will not intersect at all (the lines are parallel)
c. The lines fall on top of each other (the lines are contiguous).
Students noticed that systems of equations that fall in the "b" category have equations that when rewritten in slope-intercept form, the slopes are identical but the y-intercepts are different.

Tonight's Homework: Big Book page 358-9 (7. 8. and 11)

What's a System of Equations?

We reviewed answers for the last two days of homework today. Students agreed that they would be ready to take the test over Concept 9 on Wednesday, February 16. To prepare for this, be sure you can do all problems on the practice test for CT 9 as well as all of the problems on the Review WS you received in class today.

We added some vocabulary to our notes today related to systems of equations. We then looked at examples of systems of equations, and used the coordinate grid to help us determine if two lines had a solution, or point of intersection.

Tonight's Homework: New Home Book, page 6 (23, 24, 34-38, and 38-40)

Catch Up Day For All

Today, we took time to get caught up. Students who were in class did the following:

a. Turned in their math binder of books, and checked out the new Home Book for the second half of the year.
b. Got extra help on things related to graphing inequalities, if needed, from either me or other students.
c. Worked on retaking concept tests.
d. Finished and turned in late work.
e. Worked on the practice test for concept 9.

Tonight's Homework: Complete the practice test for concept 9.

Using Linear Equations to Represent Everyday Situations

We learned how to use the handheld computers to graph inequalities, and then corrected our homework using the handheld computers. Students also prepared their math binders for tomorrow's big turn-in event.

Tonight's Homework: Complete the pink Linear Equations worksheet.

Graphing Inequalities, Part 2

Students were reminded that putting mathematical sentences in y = mx + b form before attempting to graph the sentence is an easy way to save time. This holds true for inequalities, as well. Using the slope-intercept form for inequalities will help you graph it correctly. (Remember to switch the nature of the inequality sign if you multiply or divide by a negative number!)

Tonight's Homework: Complete both sides of the pink Graphing Inequalities WS 8. Also, bring your Home Book and TWMM book to class on Tuesday.

Concept 8 Test Taken in Class Today

Students took the test over Concept 8 today. Those who finished early were encouraged to start on their homework for the weekend.

Tonight's Homework: Pink Graphing Inequalities WS 7 and Big Book, page 404(1-4 and 6). Many of you have missing work that needs to be attended to. This weekend would be a great time to get it done.

Graphing Inequalities, Part 1

Students received feedback on how they scored on yesterday's test. Interestingly enough, scores were either really high or really low. Those who did not pass the test were given review sheets to use to help them prepare for the retake.

Today we looked at graphing inequalities on the coordinate plane. There are three basic steps to follow when graphing inequalities:

1. Graph the line as if it was an equality.
2. Determine whether the line should be solid or dotted. (Solid = ≤ or ≥ ; Dotted = < or > )
3. Using a test point, determine which side of the line should be shaded. (Hint: use the origin whenever possible.)

Tonight's Homework: Complete the pink Graphing Inequalities worksheet 6. Be sure to do both sides.

Concept Test 7 Taken in Class Today

Students completed the concept 7 test in class today. Those who finished early had some time to work on the Candy Combination problem. Students were reminded that the test over concept 8 will be given in class on Friday. Remember to come in for help if you need it!

Tonight's Homework: Complete all parts of the Candy Combination problem. It is due on Thursday, and won't be accepted late. Also, start studying for the concept 8 test.

Candy Combinations, Part 1

After turning in completed RAFTs, students reviewed for the concept tests that will be given in class this week. We spent some time talking about the Candy Combination problem, which will be due in its entirety on Thursday.

Tonight's Homework: Study for Concept Test 7, which will be given in class on Wednesday. Complete the data table and graph for the Candy Combination problem.