In Algebra today, we put all of our patterns together and learned how to factor a trinomial into two binomials, with the coefficient of the x squared term equal to 1. We also learned how to factor difference of squares.
Homework is a sheet with a variety of factoring problems, which we started in class. There are 8 required problems at the top, followed by some harder factoring problems students can try if they'd like a challenge. I'll be posting a video later on tonight which will help you factor those tough ones if you'd like to try them!
Also, there is a factoring quiz on Friday. Extra credit problems on the test will include rational expressions. Take advantage of this extra credit opportunity!
Wednesday, November 30, 2011
Tuesday, November 29, 2011
Daily Update - 11.29
In Geometry today, we went through several examples of proving Triangle Congruence. After the examples, students were handed back the homework that was due today, and given a chance to retry it or fix any mistakes they found. Then it was re-collected and will be graded for accuracy.
There will be two grades in the gradebook for this assignment - one for completion, if it was done/attempted for today, and one for accuracy after having a chance to fix it.
Homework tonight is a short, 5 question practice on Triangle Congruency, which is on the Geometry Homework page.
There will be two grades in the gradebook for this assignment - one for completion, if it was done/attempted for today, and one for accuracy after having a chance to fix it.
Homework tonight is a short, 5 question practice on Triangle Congruency, which is on the Geometry Homework page.
Monday, November 28, 2011
Daily Update - 11.28
Hello again! Hope everyone had a wonderful Thanksgiving, and a nice break from school. I know I enjoyed all of those 5 days off!
But, back to the grind! Starting today, there are only 3 weeks until the end of the semester, and a lot to learn between now and then! We'll have to work hard.
In Algebra, we did a pattern-searching activity today to figure out patterns when multiplying two binomials of the form (x + h)(x + k). Homework is to finish the pattern analyzing questions on a sheet of paper. I told the students I am looking for thoughtful answers, as that will lead to the most learning!
Looking ahead, on Wednesday we will look at factoring trinomials and also the special case of difference of squares. Then, we'll spend the rest of the class period practicing all sorts of factoring.
There is a factoring quiz on Friday! Rational expressions will be on the quiz as well, as an extra credit opportunity. I don't give extra credit often, so students should take advantage when they can!
But, back to the grind! Starting today, there are only 3 weeks until the end of the semester, and a lot to learn between now and then! We'll have to work hard.
In Algebra, we did a pattern-searching activity today to figure out patterns when multiplying two binomials of the form (x + h)(x + k). Homework is to finish the pattern analyzing questions on a sheet of paper. I told the students I am looking for thoughtful answers, as that will lead to the most learning!
Looking ahead, on Wednesday we will look at factoring trinomials and also the special case of difference of squares. Then, we'll spend the rest of the class period practicing all sorts of factoring.
There is a factoring quiz on Friday! Rational expressions will be on the quiz as well, as an extra credit opportunity. I don't give extra credit often, so students should take advantage when they can!
Tuesday, November 22, 2011
Daily Update 11.22
In Geometry, we did a lab with triangles to figure out what the minimum information is needed to know that two triangles are congruent.
The homework includes sets of triangles, and students will use information gathered today to determine if the triangles are congruent or not.
The homework includes sets of triangles, and students will use information gathered today to determine if the triangles are congruent or not.
Monday, November 21, 2011
Daily Update 11.21
Today, students reviewed some polynomial concepts before taking a quiz. Concepts included were adding, subtracting and using distributive property to simplify polynomials, multiplying polynomials, and factoring out a monomial (UN-distributive property, as we call it).
After the quiz, we briefly started the next concept, which is rational expressions. They are just fraction which have polynomials in the numerator and denominator instead of numbers. The good news is the rules for operations with them are the same as normal fractions! It might be a good idea to review fraction rules!
Homework tonight was a sheet with 4 rational expression problems. The last one we didn't go over in class, but I'd still like students to see what they can do. They have the skills and the knowledge to figure it out!
After the quiz, we briefly started the next concept, which is rational expressions. They are just fraction which have polynomials in the numerator and denominator instead of numbers. The good news is the rules for operations with them are the same as normal fractions! It might be a good idea to review fraction rules!
Homework tonight was a sheet with 4 rational expression problems. The last one we didn't go over in class, but I'd still like students to see what they can do. They have the skills and the knowledge to figure it out!
Friday, November 18, 2011
Daily Update - 11.18
Friday at last!
Today in Algebra, students had a choice of practicing one of three skills - factoring, multiplying polynomials, or adding and subtracting polynomials. There was no homework assigned tonight!
In Geometry, students classified triangles by either their angles or their side lengths. We practiced drawing triangles with given properties. No homework assigned tonight!
Today in Algebra, students had a choice of practicing one of three skills - factoring, multiplying polynomials, or adding and subtracting polynomials. There was no homework assigned tonight!
In Geometry, students classified triangles by either their angles or their side lengths. We practiced drawing triangles with given properties. No homework assigned tonight!
Thursday, November 17, 2011
Daily Update 11.17
Today, Geometry students worked on an assignment from the book, which was challenging and not challenging at the same time! It was fun to see students work on the problems, which were a review of concepts they already know, but asked in a way that made them apply their knowledge in a new way and think about things a little differently.
For the second part of class, we did an activity to learn about the basic construction of triangles, including what combinations of side lengths are possible, and what the relationship between opposite sides and angles are.
No homework tonight!
For the second part of class, we did an activity to learn about the basic construction of triangles, including what combinations of side lengths are possible, and what the relationship between opposite sides and angles are.
No homework tonight!
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