Just a quick shot before the gang sits down to Christmas dinner.
Dec 25, 2015
Merry Christmas To All of You
Hope you're enjoying your time away. This break will be over in a hurry, so make the most of it. I just checked the weather and it's not snowing, so don't stay indoors all week!
Just a quick shot before the gang sits down to Christmas dinner.
Just a quick shot before the gang sits down to Christmas dinner.
Dec 24, 2015
Tuesday's Teaser: Christmas Edition
*As Santa prepared to deliver the last of his packages down under in Sydney, Australia, he noticed two small boxes at the bottom addressed to: "Bambino" Rome, Italy.
Realizing that the boxes had been misplaced and that he only had 4 hours before the Bambino would wake up, Santa strapped a pair of Nike Air Max Hyper Aggressor's on each Reindeer and sped towards Rome. Exactly 4 hrs. later, Santa delivered the boxes and headed home to Mrs. C.
Find the distance (in miles, rounded to the nearest hundred) between Sydney and Rome, then calculate Santa's average speed during his trip. Round Santa's speed to the nearest whole number.
First five correct emails share 50 extra credit points. One correct answer gets them all, two correct get 25 points each, etc....
* Information from the 2014 bestseller, "I Want to be an Algebra Teacher," by S. Claus
Realizing that the boxes had been misplaced and that he only had 4 hours before the Bambino would wake up, Santa strapped a pair of Nike Air Max Hyper Aggressor's on each Reindeer and sped towards Rome. Exactly 4 hrs. later, Santa delivered the boxes and headed home to Mrs. C.
Find the distance (in miles, rounded to the nearest hundred) between Sydney and Rome, then calculate Santa's average speed during his trip. Round Santa's speed to the nearest whole number.
First five correct emails share 50 extra credit points. One correct answer gets them all, two correct get 25 points each, etc....
* Information from the 2014 bestseller, "I Want to be an Algebra Teacher," by S. Claus
Dec 20, 2015
Grades for Inequalities Tests 1 & 2
First and third periods are here, while fourth and fifth periods await you here.
Note: If your test has a boldface zero (0) for your score, it means that:
a) You didn't take the test. Or,
b) Yours is one of the four tests without a code.
At some point (the end of the quarter), the temporary zero's will turn into to real zero's, so let me know if you took the test.
Dec 18, 2015
Bonus Teaser: Weekend Edition
Who doesn't love extra-credit points?
Here's a holiday teaser bursting with bonus points for everyone. Have your answer to me with work showing before we leave for vacation and the ten bonus points are yours. Here goes:
You are downloading your favorite Christmas movie, Dora the Explorer: A Gift for Santa (The Full movie can be found here, Dora Stickers, Coloring, and Activity Books are here). After 11 minutes, you have downloaded 32mb. The entire movie is 704 mb.
At this rate, how long will it take to download the entire movie (round to the nearest minute).
That's it. Solve it and win.
Here's a holiday teaser bursting with bonus points for everyone. Have your answer to me with work showing before we leave for vacation and the ten bonus points are yours. Here goes:
You are downloading your favorite Christmas movie, Dora the Explorer: A Gift for Santa (The Full movie can be found here, Dora Stickers, Coloring, and Activity Books are here). After 11 minutes, you have downloaded 32mb. The entire movie is 704 mb. At this rate, how long will it take to download the entire movie (round to the nearest minute).
That's it. Solve it and win.
Dec 9, 2015
Tuesday's Non-Algebra Teaser
That's right, you don't need algebra to solve this one, just straight forward numbers. The picture below is of Marianas High School as seen with Google Earth from a bit more than 2,300 feet in the air.
At that altitude, the scale is 3.5 inches on the picture equals 525 feet in reality. Proportions work well when dealing with scaled images.
Your task is simple, really: Tell me the area of MHS as outlined below, in feet, by this Friday. Your bonus points await.
(Click image for larger view)
At that altitude, the scale is 3.5 inches on the picture equals 525 feet in reality. Proportions work well when dealing with scaled images.
Your task is simple, really: Tell me the area of MHS as outlined below, in feet, by this Friday. Your bonus points await.
Dec 2, 2015
Tuesday's Teaser
Here she is:
Three
consecutive numbers add up to 105 if the first number is multiplied by
one, the second number is multiplied by two, and the third number is
multiplied by three. What are the three consecutive numbers?
This is almost too easy to qualify as a teaser. Take advantage of this very solvable problem.
E-mail or submit solution with work attached before the end of the day named after Freya, the Norse goddess of love, beauty and fertility. If correct, 10 extra credit points are yours.
Three
consecutive numbers add up to 105 if the first number is multiplied by
one, the second number is multiplied by two, and the third number is
multiplied by three. What are the three consecutive numbers?This is almost too easy to qualify as a teaser. Take advantage of this very solvable problem.
E-mail or submit solution with work attached before the end of the day named after Freya, the Norse goddess of love, beauty and fertility. If correct, 10 extra credit points are yours.
Nov 30, 2015
Class Summary: November 30, 2015
It's all about inequalities today and this week. Lot's of basic information in the slide show below.
A copy of Class Work 2.4, which was given today, can be found here.
A copy of Class Work 2.4, which was given today, can be found here.
Nov 29, 2015
Nov 27, 2015
After the Break......
For all of you forward looking students, here's what's up after our return from Thanksgiving break:
Introduction to Inequalities
Resources to Help Along the Way
Text book, Chapter 6: Solving & Graphing Linear Inequalities
Many more examples, descriptions, and explanations
Videos:
Basics of Inequalities; Part I
Basics of Inequalities; Part II
How to Solve Linear Inequalities; Here
And, of course, there is the Khan Academy for videos and practice problems.
Complete 2nd Quarter Khan Academy Schedule
The weekly schedule for this quarter's Khan Academy is available to view or download. If you want finish ahead of schedule, or just practice before we get to the concept in class, the document is yours right here.Nov 26, 2015
Nov 18, 2015
The Rest of the 2nd Quarter
We're getting close to wrapping up our unit on literal equations, although we will be practicing and using them all year. So what's after that, you ask?
These topics:
This should get us to the end of the 2nd quarter.
These topics:
Opposites & Reciprocals
The Real Number System
Number Properties
Algebraic Proofs
Inequalities
The Coordinate Plane
Another Great Resource
If you need more help with equations (and who doesn't?), Algebra-Class.com is there to help.
Algebra-Class.com is a site that can help you throughout the year. Bookmark it now.
Toosday's Teeser
This teaser may look difficult, but it's totally do-able. Multiplying fractions is easy; the rest is arithmetic.
But wait, there's more!!!
Take five minutes out of your incredibly busy life to work this one out and score some much needed extra credit. "You'll be glad you did."
But wait, there's more!!!
Since solving equations is so important in algebra (and geometry, and algebra II), the boss said we can double the extra credit points this week.
Take five minutes out of your incredibly busy life to work this one out and score some much needed extra credit. "You'll be glad you did."
Nov 15, 2015
Class Summary: November 16, 2015
Today we begin a new unit and a new type of equation to solve. We will be solving literal equations--equations with more than one variable in them. Class work 2.3 was distributed today and is due Wednesday, November 18.
If you were absent this day, or just want to review, check the presentation below. A copy of class work 2.3 can be found here.
If you were absent this day, or just want to review, check the presentation below. A copy of class work 2.3 can be found here.
Nov 10, 2015
Tuesday's Translation Teaser
Today's teaser tests your knowledge of translating and
writing equations. As is the norm, personally deliver or email your
solution before the end of this week to receive your 10 bonus points.Here's the teaser:
If $15.20 is divided among Andrew, Joseph, and Samantha so that Joseph has one more dollar than Andrew and Samantha has $2.70 more than Joseph, how much does each individual receive?
Good Luck!
Nov 8, 2015
Class Summary: November 9, 2015
We prepare for Thursday's test and continue absolute value equations.
Once again, class work 2.2 can be downloaded here.
Once again, class work 2.2 can be downloaded here.
Class Summaries: November 5th & 6th, 2015
Absolute equations is our focus for the next week or so. Check the presentations below if you are unsure of the rules to solving these types of equations.
Class work 2.2 is due on the 10th and can be found here.
November 6, 2015
November 5, 2015
Class work 2.2 is due on the 10th and can be found here.
November 6, 2015
November 5, 2015
Nov 4, 2015
Class Summary: November 3, 2015
We continue today with a closer look at the order of operations. We also practice on of the Khan Academy topics for this week and look at the rest of class work 2.1
Class Summary: November 2, 2015
Integers & the order of operations are on the menu for the next couple of days. Class work 2.1 was given today. It is due after the holiday on November 5, 2015.
Nov 3, 2015
Oct 31, 2015
Oct 29, 2015
Tuesday's (Belated) Teaser
Of course you can do it. One step at a time, there's nothing needed to solve this that we have not done.
Each correct teaser is worth 5 additional points (two correct = a 70% instead of a 60% on a test, for example).
Since this teaser was given late, answers, with work showing, can be submitted or emailed before the end of school on Monday, November 2.
Oct 28, 2015
Class Summary: October 27th & 28th
We prepare for our two-day final exam this Thursday & Friday. Our last class work of the quarter, Class Work 1.6 is due Friday. A copy of 1.6 can be found here.
Check out the slide show below if you were absent or want to review.
Check out the slide show below if you were absent or want to review.
Oct 25, 2015
Class Summary: October 26, 2015
It's not the best day to be you, as the test results were somewhat disappointing. The solution is to practice more and share more which is why you will be doing all of the warm up exercises at the board, and not me.
Class Work 1.5, our final exam review part I is given today and is due on Wednesday, October 28th. That work can be found here.
Class Work 1.5, our final exam review part I is given today and is due on Wednesday, October 28th. That work can be found here.
Oct 24, 2015
Test # 2 Results
Ouch! This one hurt a bit. Our work here is not done it seems. If the sight of blood makes you faint, then for sure do not click here. However, some of you did very well, so give it a look.
Oct 22, 2015
Oct 21, 2015
Class Summary: October 21, 2015
Equations; all day, every day this week. Also today: formulas for the area and perimeter of a square, and a look at the three possible outcomes when solving equations with variables on both sides.
Oct 20, 2015
Class Summary: October 20, 2015
Equations week continues with more practice problems and a complete look at class work 1.4. You can get a copy of CW 1.4 by clicking on the link in yesterday's post.
But wait, there's more..... if you need or want extra help with solving equations (the most important topic in algebra), I have put together a study guide to make everyone an expert. You can view it here.
But wait, there's more..... if you need or want extra help with solving equations (the most important topic in algebra), I have put together a study guide to make everyone an expert. You can view it here.
Oct 19, 2015
Class Summary: October 19, 2015
All equations, all the time this week. Class work 1.4 given today as well. You can get a copy of the document here.
Oct 18, 2015
Tuesday's Teaser: October 20, 2015
Our first extra-credit teaser of the year is this:
What's the speed limit?
Each correct teaser is worth 5 additional points (two correct = a 70% instead of a 60% on a test, for example).
Answers, with work showing, must be submitted or emailed before the end of school on the Friday of that week.
Class Summary: October 15, 2015
Today we review for our first test of the quarter and look at one of our first three topics from the Khan Academy.
Oct 14, 2015
Class Summary: October 13, 2015
Today's focus is on registering for the Khan Academy and preparing for Wednesday's test. View the presentation or download for all of the day's activities.
Jun 15, 2015
4th Quarter Grades
Get them here
Guide to your grades:
Column 1: Classwork 20%
Column 2 Homework (Khan Academy) 20%
Column 3 Tests 40%
Column 4 Final Exam 10%
Column 5 Notebook 10%
Guide to your grades:
Column 1: Classwork 20%
Column 2 Homework (Khan Academy) 20%
Column 3 Tests 40%
Column 4 Final Exam 10%
Column 5 Notebook 10%
May 21, 2015
May 16, 2015
May 2, 2015
Extra Resources for Radicals
If you want to maximize your test grades, then these resources can help. The first is a 47 slide PowerPoint dedicated to all things radical. Covers the entire unit, including practice questions with answers. Get it here.
This document lists the most common mistakes (and how to correct them), when calculating radicals and solving radical equations.
The final links today are for two of the many tutorial videos available on this site. Scroll down the sidebar on the right. This video covers simplifying radicals. A more difficult topic, conjugating radical denominators, is covered here. Both are < 5 minutes long and very helpful.
The final links today are for two of the many tutorial videos available on this site. Scroll down the sidebar on the right. This video covers simplifying radicals. A more difficult topic, conjugating radical denominators, is covered here. Both are < 5 minutes long and very helpful.
Apr 14, 2015
Tuesday's Teaser
If you like getting tickled with
a hammer, this one's for you. In keeping with our current look at
solving quadratic equations, today's, er..challenge shall we say,
ultimately requires you to solve the quadratic (Hint: There are three
solutions).
Submit your answer, work included, before the end of the day named after the Norse goddess of love, Fredja.
Submit your answer, work included, before the end of the day named after the Norse goddess of love, Fredja.
Apr 5, 2015
Google Drive Formatting Issues
As I've mentioned before, Google drive doesn't format Word documents very well. When you click on a linked document (like the 4th qtr. Khan Academy checklist), the formatting looks messed up. However, if you download the document and open it in Word, all of the formatting issues go away.
But what if you don't have Word on your computer? In that case I highly recommend you download the free Open Office software. You can open and create documents in Word and the formatting is exact. There's even a program that works perfectly with PowerPoint. And again, it's free.
But what if you don't have Word on your computer? In that case I highly recommend you download the free Open Office software. You can open and create documents in Word and the formatting is exact. There's even a program that works perfectly with PowerPoint. And again, it's free. Download the 4th Qtr. Khan Academy Checklist
Every Khan Academy topic for the fourth quarter, with due dates, in a single document.
Download, use the checklist, and know you've completed all the assignments. Finish weeks ahead of time if you can, it's up to you. Get the checklist here.
Apr 4, 2015
3rd Quarter's 'No Risk' Final Exam
As you know, our final exam came sooner than expected, and our review time was interrupted by the Aspire test. Even though many of you did quite well given the circumstances, I've decided to grade the final exam like this:
1. If your final exam grade is higher than the average of all your other grades, your score will count and raise your overall grade.
2. If your final exam grade is lower than the average of your other grades, your grade will match the average and not change your grade at all.
For example, your grades for the other 4 categories are:
ClassWrk Homewk(Khan) Tests Notebook = **Average
80 70 70 90 74%
If your final exam grade is >74% (say 90%), it will be recorded as 90%, and your overall grade will rise to 77%
If your final exam grade is less than 74, your final exam score will be recorded as 74%, and your grade will not change.
Questions? Please email or ask when we get back.
Enjoy the rest of your break.
If you're curious, here are the actual final exam grades.
**Categories are weighted, which is why the average may not be what you'd expect.
1. If your final exam grade is higher than the average of all your other grades, your score will count and raise your overall grade.
2. If your final exam grade is lower than the average of your other grades, your grade will match the average and not change your grade at all.
For example, your grades for the other 4 categories are:
ClassWrk Homewk(Khan) Tests Notebook = **Average
80 70 70 90 74%
If your final exam grade is >74% (say 90%), it will be recorded as 90%, and your overall grade will rise to 77%
If your final exam grade is less than 74, your final exam score will be recorded as 74%, and your grade will not change.
Questions? Please email or ask when we get back.
Enjoy the rest of your break.
If you're curious, here are the actual final exam grades.
**Categories are weighted, which is why the average may not be what you'd expect.
Apr 3, 2015
Tuesday's Teaser, April Edition
Let's call it April's challenge instead. All you have to do is beat my best score in either of these challenges. The winner of each of these two challenges (if there is a winner) will receive a $10 gift certificate to Subway. The deadline is April 30, but beware, I'm going to try and best my top score as the month goes on, so bring your 'A' game.
First Up:
Head on over to the eyeballing game and beat my best score of 7.42 (proof below). Send me a screenshot of the graph that appears on the left for proof. I plan on lowering this score big time, so be prepared to go low, very low.
Next Challenge:
Some might call it basketball, but I prefer to think of it as "Is your parabola correct?" Get the parabola correct, score points.
Beat this and Eat Fresh.
First Up:
Head on over to the eyeballing game and beat my best score of 7.42 (proof below). Send me a screenshot of the graph that appears on the left for proof. I plan on lowering this score big time, so be prepared to go low, very low.
Next Challenge:
Some might call it basketball, but I prefer to think of it as "Is your parabola correct?" Get the parabola correct, score points.Beat this and Eat Fresh.
Mar 28, 2015
Test Results: Factoring Polynomials
Get 'em here.
Mar 25, 2015
Class Summary: March 25, 2015
We continue our march to the end of March by reviewing for Friday's test and by learning new factoring methods. We are working on CW 3.10, and a separate study guide for the upcoming test. Both documents are linked here.
Mar 24, 2015
Tuesday's Teaser: Covenant Day Edition
*What better way
to spend part of your
holiday other than
taking down the beast shown below.
Simplify completely, showing your work. Get the answer to me before 3:00 Friday and the bonus is yours. (equal to one correct test question)
Make your own pledge, promise, commitment, agreement....... to slay this monster:
* don't forget your Khan Academy
Mar 23, 2015
Class Summary: March 23, 2015
A very important day as we review for Friday's test and learn two more factoring concepts. Review the slideshow closely if you need additional help.
Mar 22, 2015
Preparing For Friday's Test
March 27th is our first of two tests on factoring polynomials. These two tests are 7's or 8's on the difficulty scale; preparing early is your best option.
The two documents linked below will help your preparation. The first, Class Work 3.10 also includes a step-by-step guide to each of the factoring methods we have or will cover.
Some, but not all of the factoring methods we have learned so far will be on the test. The test review tells you exactly which ones will be covered, and has sample problems nearly identical to what you'll see on Friday.
Remember, since there are different types of polynomials and factoring methods, you'll need to recognize what type of polynomial you are dealing with, and then match the factoring method for that type. Practice, that's all you really need.
The two documents linked below will help your preparation. The first, Class Work 3.10 also includes a step-by-step guide to each of the factoring methods we have or will cover.
Some, but not all of the factoring methods we have learned so far will be on the test. The test review tells you exactly which ones will be covered, and has sample problems nearly identical to what you'll see on Friday.
Remember, since there are different types of polynomials and factoring methods, you'll need to recognize what type of polynomial you are dealing with, and then match the factoring method for that type. Practice, that's all you really need.
Mar 17, 2015
Class Summaries: March 17-18, 2015
Factoring polynomials by various methods is our theme this week and next. Check the slides for all the details.
Class Work 3.9 can be found here, and is due no later than Friday, March 20, 2015
March 18, 2015
March 17, 2015
Class Work 3.9 can be found here, and is due no later than Friday, March 20, 2015
March 18, 2015
March 17, 2015
Mar 15, 2015
No School Monday, March 16, 2015
It's not yet a typhoon, but as of noon Sunday, the tropical storm was basically right on top of us. Enjoy the day off Monday, the weather should be much improved.
See you on St. Patrick's day.
Mar 14, 2015
A Resource for All Your Factoring Needs
This 63-slide monster covers every topic we will be learning the next four weeks. Click on the section you're interested in, and check out the step-by-step process for correct solutions every time.
Practice problems for each section; answers included for your instant feedback.
Google drive, while making sharing document very easy, still has a problem with formatting and fonts. Things can look garbled and unreadable some time.
If you do not have PowerPoint on your computer, you can download PowerPoint Viewer for free. With the viewer, everything will work and look like it should.
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