Using Algebraic Equations to Solve Problems

Students spent the period correcting test items in hopes of boosting their scores. When finished, they worked on the problem solving worksheet.

Tonight's Homework: Finish the worksheet you received in class today. Be sure to do both problems, show your work, and verify your solution by doing the problem a second way or showing check steps.

Systems Test Completed in Class Today

Students took the application portion of the systems test today in class.

Tonight's Homework:
None. Enjoy the weekend!

Systems of Equations and Inequalities, Day 1

Students took the first part of the systems test today in class.

Tonight's Homework:
The rest of the test will be taken in class tomorrow. Be sure to review your systems notes tonight so you are well prepared.

Reviewing for Tomorrow's Test

After going over troublesome problems from last night's homework assignment, we reviewed for tomorrow's test over systems of equations and systems of inequalities. Students should feel well-prepared for using all three methods to solve systems (graphing, substitution, and combinations/elimination), as all will be required when taking the test.

Tonight's Homework:
Study for tomorrow's test. Do you have missing assignments? Get them done and turned in. Be ready to turn in your big CME textbook tomorrow (woo hoo!).

Problem Solving with Systems Problems

Students worked in groups to set up equations for 11 different types of systems problems. The goal for today's lesson was to have all of the equations set up by the end of the period, and hopefully have at least a couple of the problems solved.

Tonight's Homework: Complete the 11 systems problems you started in class today, using one of the following methods to solve each problem: graphing, substitution, or combinations/elimination. Be sure to include check steps!

Happy Earth Day!

To celebrate earth day today, students received bookmarks and stickers. We took a couple of moments to celebrate being done with state testing (and doing such a terrific job on the tests!) and ate cookies. Finally, we worked on setting up systems of equations to solve problems that might have otherwise been solved using guess and check or by making a systematic list or table.

Tonight's Homework:
Solve the three problems you set up in class this morning. Be sure to include a series of check steps.

State Testing is Officially Done For Our Class!

Students completed the state math test today in class. Scores are phenomenal, and a real tribute to the hard work, determination to learn, and dedication of all students. Those who finished early worked on two real-life examples of how systems of equations might be used. These two problems will be due on Monday, 4/22.

Tonight's Homework: Complete the car wash and book case problems (on pink and yellow papers). Be sure to do both sides of both sheets.

State Math Testing, Day Two? Check!

Students completed the next portion of the state math test today in class. Many finished, and the rest will certainly finish tomorrow. Thanks to everyone, as you are all working very hard and I know you are doing your best.

Tonight's Homework:None, unless you are behind on your work in class. In that case, I would like to encourage you to do it tonight!

Day One of State Testing in Math is History!

Students completed the first portion of the state math test today in class. While most students took their time to complete the first 15 problems on the test, some were able to finish over half of the test today. We will continue taking the test in class tomorrow.

Tonight's Homework: Be sure to get enough rest tonight, and come back refreshed and ready to finish taking the state test!

Practicing the OAKS Test

Students worked through sample problems that will be on the state math test, with the intent to familiarize students with special features associated with the OAKS testing environment on the computer. Afterwards, students began working on a set of problems that target key areas covered on the state test

Tonight's Homework: Complete the worksheets you started in class today. Be sure to get enough rest tonight, and come back refreshed and ready to start taking the state test on Wednesday!

State Math Testing Commences This Week

Yes, state testing will take place this week, starting on Wednesday. Students worked on solving systems of equations today in class, which required them to employ skills previously mastered when working with inequalities, lines, and systems.

Tonight's Homework: Complete the four systems of inequalities problems I gave you in class today by graphing the inequalities. Use one grid per system, shade with two different colors, state the point where the two lines intersect, and name two points that are solutions for each problem.

Work Day for Students

Because I was at a district meeting at North Eugene High School, students had a work period to complete review work over systems of equations and the Pythagorean Theorem. Most students had plenty of time to complete either the book work or the worksheet, provided they actually used their class time wisely and efficiently.

Tonight's Homework: CME, page 379 ( 3 - 8 ). For problem 5, find the solution three different ways (graphing, by substitution, and by combinations). Did you finish the worksheet 9.5? If not, that is due on Monday, too.

Solving Systems of Equations Using the Substitution Method

We took a closer look at how to solve systems of equations using the substitution method. We looked at systems with one solution, no solutions, and an infinite number of solutions.

Tonight's Homework: CME page 365 (1 a - e). Be sure to show all steps.

Using Substitution to Solve Systems of Equations

Today, we learned how to used substitution to solve systems of equations. While doing this, we also reviewed how to translate story problems into systems of equations so they can be solved using substitution. Our homework didn't relate to this; instead, students answered a series of questions to help them prepare for the state math test, which will be given in class during the week of April 15th.

Tonight's Homework: Complete all problems on the handout you received in class today.

Using the Pythagorean Theorem to Solve Real Life Problems

Students watched a clip from "The Wizard of Oz" today to determine just how smart the scarecrow became when he got his brain and degree of "thinkology". As it turns out, the scarecrow made a few critical errors in his recitation of the Pythagorean Theorem. We used this to further apply the theorem to other common day situations.

Tonight's Homework: Complete the Quilt and Basketball problems on the worksheet you received in class. Also, restate what the Scarecrow should have said if he really did have a mathematically correct brain given to him by the wizard.

Exploring the Pythagorean Theorem

Students worked in groups to determine how the type of triangle (acute, right, or obtuse) is related to the squares of the different sides. Specifically, they compared the square of the hypotenuse to the sum of the squares of the legs, and then summarized their findings.

Tonight's Homework: Complete the Triangles Surrounded by Squares Extension and the Word Problem worksheets you received in class today.

Welcome Back!

We took some time to review what we need to be able to do before taking the state math test later this month. This week, we will focus on aspects of the Pythagorean Theorem. To that end, students worked on an activity that allowed them to use squares to help them get a better idea of the Pythagorean Theorem.

Tonight's Homework: Complete the Triangles Surrounded by Squares worksheet and the Picturing Pythagorus worksheet. Be sure to do both sides of each worksheet.