2/28 Algebra 1 - Scientific Notation

We reviewed scientific notation today. The four types of exercises we did were:
1) Rewriting numbers in scientific notation
2) Writing number in scientific notation as regular numbers
3) Multiplying scientific notation numbers together
4) Dividing scientific notation numbers

Students took some notes over some example problems and then worked on the assignment.

Homework:
pages 473-474 #'s 16-46 even, 53-57 all

2/28 Algebra 2 - Exponential Decay

Today students were introduced to the idea of exponential decay. Exponential growth saw an amount increasing over a period of time (increasing rather quickly) and exponential decay will see an amount decreasing over a period of time (decreasing quickly at first and then leveling off). Students took some notes over some example problems and then worked on the assignment.

Homework:
pages 477-478 #'s 11-24, 44-46 & 52 and worksheet
Here is the iPod worksheet from yesterday

2/27 Pre Algebra - Simplifying Square Roots

Today in class we continued our work with square roots. Students were simplifying radical expressions (square roots) by finding factors that were perfect squares. There is an online calculator here that can help you check your answers. The video above also explains how to do it as well (in case you forgot). Students completed the assignment in class and turned it in.

Assignment:
p. 460-461 (from packet) #'s 3-21,23-26,42-47

2/26 Algebra 1 - Negative Exponents and Division Rules

We continued our work with exponents today, the new rules we learned applied to zero, negative and division of exponents. Students took notes over our new rules and some example problems. They began work on the assignment towards the end of class. Here is a good page showing all the rules we have covered so far. The video above also explains the negative exponents we talked about today in class.

Homework:
page 459 #'s 14-44 even & page 466 #'s 20-48 even

2/26 Algebra 2 - Intro to Exponential Growth

Today students were introduced to the concept of exponential growth. You can see an exponential growth function graphed in the video above. Students were also shown how to solve word problems involving exponential growth and compounding interest.

Homework:
p. 469 #'s 13-24 all, 26-42 (list y-intercept, asymptote, and increasing/decreasing only), 45,48,52,59-64,66b

If you don't have a calculator handy, here is an internet exponent calculator.

Comments for Extra Credit:
Post a question in the comments for today's post about a particular homework problem, or a question the at you may have about exponential growth in general.

2/23 Pre Algebra

Today we were finding square roots. Students took notes reviewing the concept of a square root, learning how to estimate a square root that is a not a perfect square and solve equations by finding square roots. After taking notes, we did some example problems together, then students completed an assignment in class.

Assignment:
p. 456 #'s 16-32, 41-52 all 54-57 all (completed and turned in during class)

2/23 Applied Geometry

Today we continued with our study of area. We found the area of composite figures, that is, figures that are made up of multiple shapes. For example, a triangle and a rectangle, a rectangle and a semi circle. There are no new area formulas, we will simply be using the formulas from previous sections to solve.

Homework:
Worksheets done in class

2/22 Algebra 1 - Test Results and Exponent Rules

We took our Chapter 7 Test last class period and here are some results.

3rd period:
16 of 18 answered both the first two questions correctly, knowing what a solution to a system of equations is.

12 of 18 solved at least the first (easiest) substitution method problem correctly. That translates into 67% meeting or exceeding the standard on that method.

Again, 12 of 18 solved at least the first (easiest) combination method problem correctly. 67% meeting or exceeding the standard for that method.

16 of 18 students solved at least one system of inequalities graph correctly. That is 89% of students who grasp the concept on its most basic level.

I would like to see numbers around the 70% range for students who can correctly solve the first problem of each concept. This demonstrates at least basic knowledge of the method.


4th period:
Only 9 of 19 got the first concept, knowing the solution to a system, perfect. But the remaining 10 got one of the two right, so all 19 of us did at least "average" or "C" work there.

10 of 19 solved at least the easiest substitution problem correctly, while 4 others did partially correct work on a few of the 4 problems. That makes 73% with basic knowledge of the process.

15 of 19 got at least the first combination problem correct, giving a 79% figure for students with a basic understanding of the process.

All 19 got at least 1 graph correct, meaning 100% of us "understood", at least on the most basic level, what the solution of a system of inequalities should be and how to get it.


I had the students who did not get at least the first two problems of each section on the test work on those problems to boost their knowledge a little bit. Test grades will remain, but I want them to have a little better grasp on the idea before moving on.



After that, the students took notes over the first section of the new chapter, explaining the exponent rules for multiplication. We went through a few additional examples together as well. The video above shows some of what the students will be doing with exponents.

Homework:
page 453 22-54 even

2/22 Algebra 2 - Chapter 7 Test

Today Students took the Chapter 7 Test.

2/21 Pre Algebra

Today the students took the Equations and Graphing Test.

2/20 Algebra 2 - Chapter Test Review

We continued with our review today by playing a Jeopardy-type review game. Most of us did a good job with the review and congratulations to Joie on winning. She gets to miss a question for free on the test as a reward.

Extra Credit for Posting Comments:
Post a question that you have regarding any of this Chapter's material before class on Thursday and I'll answer it and give you 1 point extra credit. I will also address those in class.

Test Thursday

2/19 Pre Algebra - Test Review

Today Students will review for the test, which will be on Wednesday. The first part of class, students will take a short multiple choice quiz. This will allow for myself and the students to see which concepts they need more practice on. There will be a 2 review worksheets, which are book tests, that they will work on in class. My test questions will be taken from these sheets. At home, you can review some of the concepts by watching the videos from the last few posts.

Extra Credit to be posted in Comments section:
Go back through your notes and find a concept that you still may be a little confused on. Post a question so I can answer it through Comments and at the beginning of class Wednesday before we begin the test.

Homework:
Review Sheets, Test on Wednesday (organize and review your notes)

2/19 Applied Geometry - Developing Formulas for Area of Triangles and Parallelograms

Today we will be working with the area formulas for triangles and parallelograms. The students should already be familiar with the formulas, we will be explaining where they come from today. In addition to the easier calculation problems, students will also be doing some algebra to find the parts of a figure when the area is known or when the perimeter is known. There will also be some areas that include variables as will as numbers. Seen above is an SAT/ACT math problem involving the area of a triangle that deals with more than just calculating the area based on the formula. Our homework problems are not quite this involved, but they are along the same lines.

Homework:
Worksheets 3,4,& 5

2/16 Algebra 1 - Chapter 7 Review

Students worked on the Chapter 7 Review in class. The Test will be on Tuesday, February 20th.

2/16 Algebra 2 - Chapter 7 Review

Students received a Review Sheet for Chapter 7 today. We will review as a group on Tuesday and take the Chapter 7 Test next Thursday.

2/15 Pre Algebra - Writing Equations Of Lines

Today students will continue their work with linear equations and graphs. In this lesson, we will not be graphing, but we will use graphs to determine the equation of a line. Students will be given one of three scenarios:

1) A slope and a y-intercept
2) A graph with two points labeled
3) The equation of a parallel or perpendicular line and the y-intercept

They will use this information to write the equation of a line. To see an example of how to do the first scenario, click on the video above. To see some explanations of the second 2 scenarios, click here.

The students took notes over some example problems, then we did a worksheet together in class for practice and finally they were allowed to work on their graded assignment due for Monday.

Homework:
pages 422-423 #'s 8-23 all

2/15 Applied Geometry

Today students will take the Chapter 8 Test.

2/14 Algebra 1 - Systems of Inequalities...Cont'd

Welcome back after the long weekend & snow day! Today we continued our work with systems of inequalities. Unfortunately, the computer demonstration did not work Friday when I was absent, but the process was explained again today anyway. To review graphing linear inequalities, watch the video from above. All you do with a system of inequalities is repeat the process for the second inequality, and whatever area is shaded twice is your solution. The assignment given on Friday can be turned in for extra credit.

Homework:
page 435-436, #'s 6,8,15-18,20,22
Graph paper can be printed here.

A note about the Website & Extra Credit

All extra credit will now be available through the website only. It will be given by leaving comments on the website. As you work through the homework, use the website as a resource. If you find something useful, one of the demos answered a question or you discovered something while doing the homework, leave a comment on that day's post. All you have to do is click on the "Post a Comment" or "0 Comments" at the bottom of a post. When you enter your name, use your first name & last initial. The Comment page is shown above. Type your message. Click the 'Other" button and leave your name. Also, there is a new help feature located in the sidebar at the right. The small chat module will tell you if I am online at home, and if you have a question over a homework problem, I can talk you through it. Again use your first name and last initial. Please make sure comments are appropriate and related to that day's post.

2/14 Algebra 2 - Solving Radical Equations

Welcome back after our holiday weekend and snow day! The blog is back in action after a layoff since Thursday. Today in Algebra 2, we continue with Chapter 7. We will be solving radical equations today. Radical equations are equations that contain a root or fraction exponent of some kind. Above, you can see a simple example of how to solve one of these. Students will take notes, as usual, in class showing some example problems and how to solve them. After some discussion and a few practice problems at the board, students will work on the graded assignment. Below is another example of how to solve a radical equation. This one has a root on both sides of the equation.



Homework:
page 441-442 #'s 24-48 even, 52

2/9 Algebra 1 - Solving Systems of Inequalities

In my absence today, we will let the computers do the work.

Today you will see examples of 2 types of problems:

1) How to check a solution to a system of linear inequalities.
2) How to find (graph) a solution to a system of linear inequalities.

To see a video explanation of how to do problems like #1 click here. Watch and listen to the video for Example 1. After watching, test your knowledge by clicking 'Practice' for Example 1. Do the work on a scratch sheet of paper and choose your answer. Click 'Done' when you have your answer. It will tell you if you are right or wrong. After answering a few questions, close the window.

To see a video explanation of how to do problems like #2 click here. Watch and listen to the video for Examples 2 & 3. After watching, test your knowledge by clicking 'Practice' for Examples 2 & 3. Do the work on a scratch sheet of paper and choose your answer. Click 'Done' when you have your answer. It will tell you if you are right or wrong. After answering a few questions, close the window.

You have a handout of notes that I have written up for you, use those along with what you watched on the videos to help you complete your assignment. You will have 45 minutes in the computer lab then you will return to class to work on your assignment.

Homework:
page 803 #'s 36-43 (use graph paper)

2/8 Pre Algebra

Today students learned how to graph using the slope-intercept form of an equation (y=mx+b). In the video above you can see how to graph a line using these two pieces of information. Students took notes over some example problems like the one shown above. We did a worksheet together in class, then students worked on the graded assignment. (Note: Pre-Algebra worksheets are from a book and copyrighted, so I can't post them for download)

Homework:
p. 415-416 #'s 10-12, 14-19, 22-30

2/8 Applied Geometry

Students reviewed today for the Test, which will be on Tuesday.

2/7 Algebra 1 - Systems of Equations Word Problems

We continued our work today with systems of equations. Students were introduced to systems with no solutions and many solutions. Students also began setting up word problems to be solved by combination or substitution. We corrected the homework due for today, students took notes over the example problems, then worked on the worksheet due for Friday. Some examples of these can be viewed here.

Homework:
Worksheet

2/7 Algebra 2

Today students were introduced to the concept of inverse functions and how to find them. You can see a video demonstration of how to do those problems above. Students took notes of some example problems and then worked through some at the board by themselves.

Homework:
page 426-427 #'s 16-28 even, 33-35, 36-46 even, 58

2/6 Pre Algebra - Slope Formula

Today students were introduced to the slope of a line, its definition and the slope formula. Above you can see a video of someone using the slope formula on two sets of ordered pairs. Students took notes on the board first, then we did some example problems together in class. After we were finished with the practice, the students worked on the graded assignment.

Homework:
p. 407-408 #'s 8-10, 18-33

2/6 Applied Geometry - Law of Sines & Cosines

Above you can view a screencast of a problem solved using the Law Of Sines. We will be solving problems like this in class and on our homework today. You can view the Law of Sines here. We will also be working with the Law Of Cosines as well, which can be explained here. You will most likely have to use your notes later on to solve these, the Law Of Cosines is particularly long. Make sure they get copied into your notes along with the example problems on the board. In class today, after the students take notes, we will do some examples of solving for pieces of triangles using both the Law Of Sines and the Law Of Cosines.

Homework:
page 555-556 #'s 2-8 even, 10-15, 26-37