Class Summary: March 28, 2014

Review for Monday's Test & complete all classwork; those were the tasks for Friday.  See the slideshow for more.

Tuesday's Teaser

Although we haven't covered rational expressions yet, your knowledge of polynomials should be enough to solve this week's teaser.  Email or hand me your answer, steps included, before the 89th day of the year.

                             Simplify:

Class Summary: March 26, 2014

Our last factoring method has the most steps involved in correctly factoring a polynomial. Although not really difficult, you must memorize the steps. Check the slideshow for a complete explanation of solving trinomials by grouping.   Our class work is here.

March 26

Class Summary: March 25, 2014

More polynomial factoring methods to learn. Our focus today was perfect square trinomials. See how they are related to other special products, and how this understanding can make factoring these types of trinomials very easy.

Today's class work is here.

March 25, 2014

On Line Calculators for Every Need

MathPortal.org has an enormous number of calculators for any algebra or geometry need. Polynomials--factoring, solving equations, adding, multiplying, you name it. Rational equations, radical equations, quadratic equations, they've got those too.

Since you cannot use the calculators on tests, they are not a replacement for solving the problem yourself, but they can confirm an answer you are not sure about. They also provide step-by-step solutions for those problems you simply cannot understand.

 Use only when necessary; do not become too dependent on them.  Check the calculators here.

Resources to Benefit EVERYONE

We will be spending the majority of next week (March 24-29), on our last and most difficult factoring method; factoring trinomials with a leading coefficient greater than 1. The video below covers this factoring method step-by-step. I think everyone could benefit by watching and practicing before we introduce this concept in class (Wednesday).

Additionally, one of the Khan Academy topics this week, Factoring Quadratics 2, requires factoring by this method.  The name for this method of factoring is, "Factoring Trinomials by Grouping", since you will take a three term polynomial, add a term, and then factor the four terms by grouping. 1. 2(x-4)(3x+1)    2.  3(x + 5)(x - 2)

Here are two practice problems to get you ready. Always look for a GCF first.
                            1. 6x^2 - 22x - 8                               2.  3x^2 + 9x - 30

The solutions are both on this post. Find them after you have completed the problem.

Khan Academy: Week of March 24-30

An early posting for those of you who would like to get started now. 

* Factoring Difference of Squares 3

* Factoring Polynomials with 2 variables

* Factoring Quadratics 2

Class Summary: March 20, 2014

Just like the title says, we learned a new factoring method and reviewed the various methods already covered.  As is the norm, class work is here.

March 20th, 2014

Class Summary: March 19, 2014

As the title slide says, our focus today is on two different factoring methods. View or download the slideshow for more information.  Class work is here.

March 19, 2014  

Class Summary: March 18, 2014

All about factoring the GFC in this slideshow. This is an important first step in the process of learning multiple factoring methods.  Lot's of good information and practice problems.

 

March 18, 2014

Worth the Wait: Polynomial Test Results

Nicely done, go get 'em.

More Polynomial Resources: Factoring

Because factoring is such an important topic, I'm going to post at least six short videos covering different methods of factoring. Today's resource is a 67 slide complete guide to factoring polynomials. Lot's of examples, practice questions and answers, and short quizzes after each section are included.  Everything you wanted needed to know about polynomials, and then some. Get the guide here.

Class Summary: March 17, 2014

Lots of important information in today's slideshow. From factoring special products, to long division on polynomials, these are concepts we will use throughout the rest of the school year. Download your own copy and learn this well: The rest of the year will be much easier and more successful for you.  Our class work is here.

March 17, 2014  

Polynomial Test Update

Class Summary: March 13, 2014

Special products are the main course today. In addition, we prepare for tomorrow's test with more practice problems.  Class work is from yesterday, and is due today.

March 13, 2014

More Polynomial Resources

Adding, subtracting, multiplying & dividing polynomials; it's all here. Step-by-step instructions, practice questions with immediate feedback.  It's yours if you want it.   Get it  here.

The next resource is a 5 minute video from the Khan Academy which shows how to multiply various types of polynomials, (monomials, binomials, trinomials, and more). You can watch it here or download it if you are interested.

                                      

Class Summary: March 12, 2014

Lot's of good information in the slideshow for today.  A review of our polynomial unit so far. Addition, subtraction, multiplication and division are covered in the practice problems.  Our class work for today is here.

March 12, 2014  

Tuesday's Technology Teaser

Class Summary: March 10, 2014

Division of polynomials by monomials was the new concept today. We also reviewed addition, subtraction and multiplication of polynomials.  Our class work for today can be found here.

March 10, 2014  

Khan Academy Schedule: Ending March 17, 2014

Scientific Notation Test Scores

All the scores are here.

Algebra Anywhere

*Except on test days.....

Polynomials: Lots of Extra Help Available

Over the next few days, I'll be posting a video, study guide, or link to give you all the resources you may need to understand this important unit.  In order to do well the rest of this year, mastery of polynomials is necessary, as everything else builds upon the concepts in this unit.

The first resource is a beginning guide to polynomials slideshow. This guide covers terminology, the parts of a polynomial, as well as addition and subtraction of polynomials.

The second resource is a short video, (< 3:00) discussing variables, exponents, & degrees.

More to follow throughout the week.

Class Summary: March 7, 2014

Today is test day, so not much in the slideshow other than some good warm up problems. More importantly are the practice problems covering adding, subtracting and multiplying polynomials. That class work and homework for the weekend is here.

March 7, 2014  

Class Summary: March 6, 2014

We begin by reviewing addition and subtraction of polynomials. We then look at multiplying polynomials and the different methods for doing so.  Lot's of useful information in slide show for you to review if you like.

Our class work, the same one scheduled for yesterday, is here.

March 6, 2014  

Class Summary: March 5, 2014

We're all about polynomials today. What they are, and are not. How to write them correctly. How to simplify polynomial expressions, and how to add and subtract them. A very important lesson to understand as we move forward this year. Check the slideshow if you need more help.  Today's class work is here.

March 5, 2014  

Class Summary: March 3, 2014

Today we wrap up our unit on Monomials, Exponents, and Scientific Notation. We take an early look at the test on Wednesday, and practice the Khan Academy topics due this Wednesday as well.

New material for today focused on degrees of variables and degrees of monomials. It's all in the slideshow below for your benefit.  Class work for today is here.

March 3, 2014