Using Slope and a Point to Write an Equation, Day 2

Students spent another day perfecting their skills in using either 2 points or 1 point and the slope to write equations for lines in slope-intercept form. Some students were confused about what to do once the slope of the line was determined, so we took some class time to review the steps to find b, or the y-intercept.

Tonight's Homework: CME page 347 ( 8 - 27 ).

Writing Equations in Slope-Intercept Form

This week, we will spend most of our time using slope and the y-intercept to write equations in one of two forms: slope-intercept, (y = mx + b) form and standard form (ax + by = c). Today, we used the slope formula and a point to help us write the formula for a line in slope intercept for. Throughout the lesson, we reviewed vocabulary and formulas that would help us accomplish our goals.

Tonight's Homework:
CME page 346 ( 1 a - h ) and page 348 ( 28 - 32 ).

Looking for Similarities in Equations

Students used the handheld computers to help them graph a series of equations on one grid. During this process, most students discovered that parallel lines have the same slope, but different y-intercepts. This is an important, and one that will be key to progressing through the remainder of this chapter.

Tonight's Homework:
Linear Graphing Worksheet #3 (both sides)

Investigating Lines, Day 2

Students graphed a series of lines on their handheld computers, and then looked for similarities and differences between the equations and resulting lines. Students also practiced solving equations for a given variable.

Tonight's Homework: Complete the 6 equation rewrite problems you received in class, as well as the graphing lines worksheet #2.

Absolute Value Function Review; Linear Investigations Continue

The title really summarizes what was done in class today. Students did receive feedback about the test they took last Friday (most did very well). Weekly grade slips were also distributed today, since Monday was a holiday.

Tonight's Homework: Complete the graphing worksheet you received in class today.

Words to Algebra Symbols Test Taken in Class Today

Finally, we were able to get the test over word problems taken!

Tonight's Homework: None. Enjoy the long weekend!

More of the same . . . and the Test is Tomorrow!

Students used the handheld computers during class time to work on problems related to the graphs of absolute value equations to determine how adding different variables inside or outside the absolute value sign changes the graph of the equation.

Tonight's Homework: The three yellow absolute value worksheets are due tomorrow. Be sure to prepare for your test over word problems. It's tomorrow!

Word Problems and Graphing Problems

Once again, students used the handheld computers during class time to work on problems related to the graphs of absolute value equations to determine how adding different variables inside or outside the absolute value sign changes the graph of the equation.

Tonight's Homework: Complete the packet of word problems you received in class today. Be sure to include let statements and check steps. The three yellow worksheets are due by the beginning of class on Friday.

Preparing for Friday's Test

Students used the handheld computers during class time to work on problems related to the graphs of absolute value equations to determine how adding different variables inside or outside the absolute value sign changes the graph of the equation.

Tonight's Homework: Complete the packet of white word problems. The three yellow worksheets you received in class today will be due by the beginning of class on Friday.

Using the Handheld Computers to Graph!

We determined that how you move from one point on a line to another (up and then over, or down and over) does not change the slope of the line when calculated carefully and properly. Next, we learned how to use a graphing program on the handheld computers to evaluate absolute value equations much more quickly than we did on our homework.

Tonight's Homework: CME 316 ( 1 - 4, first column only )

Pitch, Slope and Graphing Absolute Value Equations

We talked a little more about slope and pitch in class today. We defined slope as m = ∆y/∆x, and used slope triangles to show the changes in the x and y values as you travel from one place to another on a line.

Tonight's Homework: Complete the word problem and absolute value graphing worksheets you started in class. Do CME 314 ( 1 - 5 ).

Looking at Patterns and An Introduction to Slope

We talked about the rules that govern the patterns described by square, rectangular and triangular numbers, and how those rules are much more efficient to use than using repeated addition or multiplication patterns that are easily identified. Next, we reviewed what we know about slope, and defined a few terms that will help us as we study slope for the next month or so. We even learned a little Greek today (∆ is the sign for change).

Tonight's Homework: CME, pages 309-310 (1 - 5). Those of you wishing to retake the test over absolute value and inequality test, be sure to prepare for it so you can take it by the end of next week.

Happy New Year!

students were given some time in class to redo a portion of the field trip problem, as almost everyone neglected to compute round trip costs for the bus when they originally solved the problem. Afterwards, students were given a word problem to solve, as well as a pattern problem.

Tonight's Homework: Get your grade slip signed and bring it to class tomorrow. Complete both sides of the pink pattern worksheet. Finish the problem on the white paper, if you didn't do so in class today. The test over solving word problems will be given on Wednesday, January 16th. Start preparing for it now!