Topics for October 2nd

Today We Discussed:

Chapter 2 test was administered today - we did not cover any new material today.

Sections Covered in Textbook:

None

Resources & Tutorials:

None

Assignments:

No assignment

Topics for October 1st

Today We Discussed:

In preparation for our Chapter 2 test tomorrow, we spent the majority of our class working through practice problems.  Students should spend time tonight going through old homework and practicing solving and writing equations.  The test will cover solving one-step, two-step, and multi-step equations as well as equations with variables on both sides.  It will also cover problem solving with defining variables in terms of each other, consecutive number problems, break-even problems, and uniform motion (d=rt).

Study Skills:  Did you run out of problems to practice?  No problem!  Try working out the exercises at the end of each book section - there are example problems worked out in each section, and the homework problems are labeled in green to identify which practice problem is like the problem listed in the exercises.  The odd numbered problems have answers in the back so you can check to make sure you are solving the problems correctly!

Sections Covered in Textbook:

Chapter 2 Test will cover Sections 2-1 through 2-5 (Pages 74-110)

Resources & Tutorials:

1) Blog entry for One-Step Equations
2) Blog entry for Two-Step Equations
3) Blog entry for Multi-Step Equations
4) Blog entry for Variables on Both Sides of an Equation
5) Blog entry for Problem Solving Part 1 (break-even, consecutive numbers)
6) Blog entry for Problem Solving Part 2 (uniform motion)
7) Answer Key for Chapter 2 Review Sheet

Assignments:

1) Study for Chapter 2 Test tomorrow (review worksheet).
2) Quiz Corrections due tomorrow.

Topics for September 30th

Today We Discussed:

We continued our discussion about distance, rate, and time story problems and the three different varieties of these problems (same-direction travel, opposite-direction travel, and round-trip travel).  Using a table to solve problems helps organize all the supporting data, and provides a systematic way to solve more complex problems.  Students are encouraged to use a table and to draw a picture of what is going on in the question to help better understand what is being asked.

Sections Covered in Textbook:

2-5: Equations and Problem-Solving Part 2 (pages 103-110)

Resources & Tutorials:

1)  How to Solve Opposite-Directions problem.
2)  How to Solve Same-Directions problem.
3)  How to Solve Round-Trip Travel Problems.

4)  Problems Solving Notes Part 2 - Uniform Motion

Assignments:

1) Worksheet on Uniform Motion
2)  Planning ahead - Chapter 2 test on Wednesday.
3) Quiz Corrections Due Wednesday.

Topics for September 26th

Today We Discussed:

We continued our discussion about problem solving by investigating uniform motion problems.   Most students are familiar with the basic formula for motion: 
distance = rate * time, or in algebraic terms, d = rt.

Uniform motion problems fall into three main categories: same-direction travel, round-trip travel, or opposite-direction travel.  Depending upon what the problem is asking, we'll combine our problem data in different ways to find our answer, but in each case, we will still apply the general formula (d=rt) to set up our problem.

Drawing diagrams to help picture what is going on in the problem is another helpful strategy.  We also used tables to organize our given data and to help us solve the problem.

Sections Covered in Textbook:

2-5: Equations and Problem-Solving Part 2 (pages 103-110)

Resources & Tutorials:

1)  How to Solve Opposite-Directions problem.
2)  How to Solve Same-Directions problem.
3)  How to Solve Round-Trip Travel Problems.
4)  Problems Solving Notes Part 2 - Uniform Motion

Assignments:

No New Homework
Planning Ahead - Chapter 2 Text next Wednesday (Oct 2nd)

Topics for September 25th

Today We Discussed:

Now that we know how to solve all types of equations, we will use that knowledge to solve story problems.  There are many different types of story problems, but most of them can be categorized into one of several categories.  Today's lesson will focus on problem solving involving defining variables in terms of each other,  consecutive integers (which also involves defining variables in terms of another), and break-even problems.

Vocabulary: consecutive, break-even

Sections Covered in Textbook:

2-5: Equations and Problem Solving (pages 103 - 110)
We will continue working on this topic tomorrow with more examples.

Resources & Tutorials:

1) Solving Break-Even Problems
2) How to find the Break-Even Point
3) Solving Word Problems with Consecutive Integers
4)  Problem Solving Notes Part 1

Assignments:

1) Worksheet on Problem-Solving Part 1
2) Quiz Tomorrow on Solving Equations (all types).

Topics for September 24th

Today We Discussed:

Our discussion about solving equations moved on to situations where there are variables on both sides of an equation.  The basic properties of equality still apply when dealing with variable terms.  We used the addition, subtraction, multiplication, and division properties of equality to get variables on one side, and constants on the other side of the equation.  For equations with variables on both sides, it is possible for the equation to have infinitely many solutions (identity) or no solution at all.  Students will need to be on the lookout for these special cases, which show themselves is interesting mathematical ways.

Sections Covered in Textbook:

2-4: Equations with Variables on Both Sides (pages 96-100)

Resources & Tutorials:

1) Solving Equations with Variables on Both Sides
2) Solving Equations with Variables on Both Sides and Grouping Symbols

Assignments:

1) Worksheet on Solving Equations with Variables on Both Sides.
2) Planning ahead - Quiz Thursday on Solving Equations (all types)

Topics for September 23rd

Today We Discussed:

We moved on from two-step to multi-step equation solving.  Today's lesson focused on simplifying with grouping symbols, and multiplying through to eliminate fractions and decimals to make the equation easier to solve.

Sections Covered in Textbook:

2-3: Solving Multi-Step Equations (pages 88 - 93)

Resources & Tutorials:

1) Solving Multi-Step Equations using Distributive Property
2) Solving Multi-Step Equations by Clearing Fractions

Assignments:

1) Solving Multi-Step Equations Worksheet.
2)  Planning Ahead - Quiz Thursday on Solving Equations