Monday, September 24, 2007
Algebra (Class 9)
&tOverview
In today’s class we practice writing and solving equations involving grouping symbols. We focus on understanding what the grouping symbols represent and how an equivalent expression can be written without the grouping symbols.
Textbook Sections
§3-3 (Txt. p.107) Using Several Transformations
Key Attitudes
Math is about investigating and confirming
Key Ideas
A number in front of grouping symbols tells you how many of the group you have.
An expression with grouping symbols should be written as an equivalent expression without grouping symbols in order to solve the equation.
Key Skills
Solving a balance problem involving grouping symbols using both pictures and algebraic notation. (Week 11-SP10-SP12)
Turn-In (#8)
Packet-- Unit 3: Week 11 AND Txt. p.97 #25-36
Txt. p.98 “Problems” #4-6
Handouts
No Handouts Posted
Assignment
§3-3 (Txt. p.109) #1-24
§3-4 (Txt. p113) #1-3
Disclaimer- The assignment as stated in class is the official assignment. Every effort is made to keep this posting accurate, but you should refer to what was stated in class as the final word.
Posted by Mr. Holcomb on 09/24 at 08:31 AM
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Friday, September 21, 2007
Geometry (Class 9)
Overview
In today’s class we continue our work with missing angle puzzles, working towards writing steps for the solution process as well as justifying the steps with reasons. In addition, we take our first test which covers the materials from the first 8 classes (Chapter 1).
Textbook Sections
§1.6 (Txt. p.44) Angle Pair Relationships
Vocabulary
linear pair
vertical pair (vertical angles)
interior angles of a triangle
congruent angles
parallelogram
trapezoid
polygon
opposite angles
Key Attitudes
Math is about reasoning and justifying.
Key Ideas
You can use “If, then” reasoning to build up a solution to math problems.
Key Skills
Solving missing angle puzzles.
Writing steps to represent the solution path for solving the missing angle puzzle.
Turn-In (#8)
Chapter Test- Txt. p.63 #1-20
Handouts
No Handouts Posted
Assignment
Finish as many Missing Angle Puzzles as possible (eventually you will have to do them all).
Txt. p.47 #8-32, 45, 46, 49, 50, 53, 54, 56-58
Disclaimer- The assignment as stated in class is the official assignment. Every effort is made to keep this posting accurate, but you should refer to what was stated in class as the final word.
Posted by Mr. Holcomb on 09/21 at 10:07 AM
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Thursday, September 20, 2007
Algebra (Class 8)
Overview
In today’s class we continue the development of our ability for writing and solving equations. We continue to represent the solution process with both balance scales and algebraic notation. A key element is working with groups of expressions in an equation. For example, 2(x-3)=4(2x+1).
Textbook Sections
§3-1 (Txt. p.95) transforming Equations: Addition and Subtraction
§3-2 (Txt. p.102) Transforming Equations: Multiplication and Division
Vocabulary
grouping symbols
distributive property
Key Attitudes
Math is about investigating and confirming
Key Ideas
Reading and using grouping symbols
Key Skills
Solving a balance problem involving grouping symbols using both pictures and algebraic notation. (Week 11-SP10-SP12)
Turn-In (#7)
Txt. p.97 #16-24
Txt. p98 “Problems” #1-3
Skill Builder 1A, 1B
Test Corrections
Handouts
No Handouts Posted
Assignment
Skill Builder 2, 3
Txt. p.97 #25-36
Txt. p.98 “Problems” #4-6
Disclaimer- The assignment as stated in class is the official assignment. Every effort is made to keep this posting accurate, but you should refer to what was stated in class as the final word.
Posted by Mr. Holcomb on 09/20 at 08:13 AM
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Wednesday, September 19, 2007
Back to School Night
Please use the links below to view the materials that were presented during Back to School Night.
Class Information and Frequently Asked Questions
Assignment Scoring Guide
Wish List-- if you can donate, we need
Kleenex
AAA batteries
Boxes of copy paper
Pencils
Your time-- if you are math inclined come tutor in the afternoons.
Posted by Mr. Holcomb on 09/19 at 04:19 PM
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Geometry (Class 8)
Overview
In today’s class we finish our work with Chapter 1 and being moving towards writing proof. In order to build up our skills before we have to write proofs we by solving puzzles involving missing angles. In addition we practice the four constructions (copy a segment, perpendicular bisector of a segment, bisect an angle, copy an angle) which we learned in the last class. REMINDER-- test for Chapter 1 next class (Friday).
Textbook Sections
§1.6 (Txt. p.44) Angle Pair Relationships
Vocabulary
linear pair
vertical pair (vertical angles)
Key Attitudes
Math is about investigating.
Key Ideas
You can find a solution to problems step by step.
Key Skills
Solving missing angle puzzles.
Writing steps to represent the solution path for solving the missing angle puzzle.
Turn-In (#7)
Chapter 1- Lesson 3
Handouts
Chapter 2- Lesson 1: Missing Angle Puzzles
Assignment
Chapter 2- Lesson 1 Puzzle 4 & Puzzle 5
Chapter Test- Txt. p.63 #1-20
Disclaimer- The assignment as stated in class is the official assignment. Every effort is made to keep this posting accurate, but you should refer to what was stated in class as the final word.
Posted by Mr. Holcomb on 09/19 at 10:35 AM
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Tuesday, September 18, 2007
Algebra (Class 7)
Overview
In today’s class we continue building our skills at solving equations by working with diagrams of balances as well as writing the algebraic steps and written descriptions of the solution process.
Textbook Sections
§3-1 (Txt. p.95) transforming Equations: Addition and Subtraction
§3-2 (Txt. p.102) Transforming Equations: Multiplication and Division
Key Attitudes
Math is about investigating and confirming
Key Ideas
An equation is a balance.
Process used to solve a balance problem can be represented using algebraic symbols.
Key Skills
Solving a balance problem while using algebra to record the process. (Week 11-SP6-SP8)
Turn-In (#6)
§3-1 (Txt. p.97) #1-3 with pictures and algebra, #4-15 with just algebra
§3-2 (Txt. p.104) #1-4 with pictures and algebra (use “balloons” for negatives), #5-12 with just algebra
Handouts
No Handouts Posted
Assignment
Txt. p.97 #16-24
Txt. p98 “Problems” #1-3
Skill Builder 1A, 1B
Disclaimer- The assignment as stated in class is the official assignment. Every effort is made to keep this posting accurate, but you should refer to what was stated in class as the final word.
Posted by Mr. Holcomb on 09/18 at 08:06 AM
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Monday, September 17, 2007
Geometry (Class 7)
Overview
In today’s class we wrap-up Chapter 1- Lesson 3 with the development of a way to find the coordinates of the midpoint of a segment when given the coordinates of the endpoints of the segment. We also get to learn how to use a straight edge and compass to copy a segment, create a perpendicular bisector of a segment, bisect an angle, copy an angle, and divide a line segment into as many equal pieces as needed.
Check out the Math Open Reference for animated lessons on constructions with straight edge and compass.
Textbook Sections
§1.5 (Txt. p.34) Segment and Angle Bisectors
Key Attitudes
Math is about investigating.
Key Ideas
The coordinates of the midpoint of a segment can be found by averaging the change in x and the change in y of the coordinates of its endpoints.
A straightedge and compass can be used to solve geometric problems.
Key Skills
Find the midpoint of segment given the coordinates of the endpoints of the segment.
Use a straight edge and compass to:
copy a segment
create a perpendicular bisector of a segment
bisect an angle
copy an angle
create n equal divisions of a segment
Turn-In (#6)
Chapter 1- Lesson 3 through #12
Txt. p.29 #17-41, 61, 64, 67, 70-75
Handouts
No Handouts Posted
Assignment
Txt. p.38 #17-20, 25, 26, 31, 32, 37-39
Finish construction worksheets.
Txt. p124 #1-4, 13-16
Disclaimer- The assignment as stated in class is the official assignment. Every effort is made to keep this posting accurate, but you should refer to what was stated in class as the final word.
Posted by Mr. Holcomb on 09/17 at 08:44 AM
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Friday, September 14, 2007
Algebra (Class 6)
Overview
In today’s class we continue learning how to solve equations by thinking about balances. In particular we develop our skills for using algebraic symbols to represent the solution process for solving balance puzzles.
A great resource for thinking about solving equations as a balance can be found at http://nlvm.usu.edu/en/nav/frames_asid_324_g_3_t_2.html?open=instructions
Textbook Sections
§3-1 (Txt. p.95) transforming Equations: Addition and Subtraction
§3-2 (Txt. p.102) Transforming Equations: Multiplication and Division
Key Attitudes
Math is about investigating and confirming
Key Ideas
Process used to solve a balance problem can be represented using algebraic symbols.
Key Skills
Solving a balance problem while using algebra to record the process. (Week 11-SP6-SP8)
Turn-In (#5)
§1-4 (Txt. p.16) #1-28
§1-3 (Txt. p.8) #31, 32
Handouts
No Handouts Posted
Assignment
§3-1 (Txt. p.97) #1-3 with pictures and algebra, #4-15 with just algebra
§3-2 (Txt. p.104) #1-4 with pictures and algebra (use “balloons” for negatives), #5-12 with just algebra
Disclaimer- The assignment as stated in class is the official assignment. Every effort is made to keep this posting accurate, but you should refer to what was stated in class as the final word.
Posted by Mr. Holcomb on 09/14 at 08:08 AM
Algebra 1 •
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Thursday, September 13, 2007
Geometry (Class 6)
Overview
In today’s class we will review how to simplify a square root as well as begin a new section which focuses on the measurement of angles. We also learn how we can use the coordinates of a line segment to find the midpoint of the segment.
Textbook Sections
§1.4 (Txt. p.26) Angles and their Measures
§1.5 (Txt. p.34) Segment and Angle Bisectors
Vocabulary
vertex
acute angle
obtuse angle
right angle
straight angle
adjacent angles
complementary angles
supplementary angles
interior of an angle
exterior of an angle
midpoint of a segment
Key Attitudes
Math is about investigating.
Key Ideas
Angles can be classified by their measure
Key Skills
Name an angle using both three letter and one letter notation.
Classify an angle by its measure.
Draw angles given specification.
Writing and solving equations related to angle measures.
Turn-In (#5)
Chapter 1- Lesson 2 Packet with Text pages
Handouts
Chapter 1- Lesson 3: Angles and their Measures
Simplify Square Roots
Assignment
Chapter 1- Lesson 3 through #12
Txt. p.29 #17-41, 61, 64, 67, 70-75
Disclaimer- The assignment as stated in class is the official assignment. Every effort is made to keep this posting accurate, but you should refer to what was stated in class as the final word.
Posted by Mr. Holcomb on 09/13 at 09:46 AM
Geometry •
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Wednesday, September 12, 2007
Algebra (Class 5)
&tOverview
In today’s class we check to see how students doing on the material we have studied so far. In addition we begin our next section of material which focuses on the solving of equations-- first degree single-variable.
There is a nice interactive version of solving equations as a balance at http://nlvm.usu.edu/en/nav/frames_asid_324_g_3_t_2.html?open=instructions
Textbook Sections
§1-4 (Txt. p.14) Translating Words into Symbols
§3-1 (Txt. p.95) Transforming Equations: Addition and Subtraction
Vocabulary
balance scale
beam balance
equal sign
equation
expression
simplify an expression
solve an equation
distributive property
zero pairs
Key Attitudes
Math is about investigating and confirming
Key Ideas;/b>
The meaning of an equal sign.
An equation can be represented by a balance scale.
The law of balance-- in order to keep a balance, what you do to one side of the balance, you have to do to the other side of the balance
Key Skills
Determine which stone weighs more on a balance (Week 11- SP2)
Determine the weight of stones on a balance. (Week 11- SP3)
Determine the missing stone on a balance. (Week 11-SP4)
Translating verbal statements into expressions.
Evaluating expressions.
Turn-In (#4)
Unit 3: Expressions and Equations Week 10 packet
Txt. p.8 #1-10, 29, 30
Handouts
No Handouts Posted
Assignment
§1-4 (Txt. p.16) #1-28
§1-3 (Txt. p.8) #31, 32
Disclaimer- The assignment as stated in class is the official assignment. Every effort is made to keep this posting accurate, but you should refer to what was stated in class as the final word.
Posted by Mr. Holcomb on 09/12 at 08:01 AM
Algebra 1 •
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Tuesday, September 11, 2007
Geometry (Class 5)
Overview
In today’s class we push on with our development of the Pythagorean theorem using our algebra skills to prove that it is always true. In addition we will see how the Pythagorean theorem can be used to find the distance between any two points on a coordinate plane when the coordinates for the points is known. As time permits we will being to learn how to use a straight edge and compass to make geometric constructions. A great website for this can be found at http://www.mathopenref.com/tocs/constructionstoc.html
Textbook Sections
§1.3 (Txt. p. 17) Segments and Their Measures
Key Attitudes
Math is about investigating.
Key Ideas
How algebra and geometry can be used to prove the Pythagorean theorem.
How the Pythagorean theorem can be used to find the distance between two points in the coordinate plane.
Key Skills
Use the distance formula to find the distance between two points in the coordinate plane
Proving the Pythagorean theorem using algebra
Use the distance formula to find the distance between two points in the coordinate plane
Turn-In (#4)
Txt. p.786 #1-24
Txt. p.16 #77-96
Txt. p.21 #19-30 odd
Handouts
See Math Open Reference for handouts and interactive demonstrations.
Assignment
Chapter 1- Lesson 2: Complete all of the packet and the textbook problems listed at the end of the packet. (Some you will have already completed-- don’t do them again!)
Disclaimer- The assignment as stated in class is the official assignment. Every effort is made to keep this posting accurate, but you should refer to what was stated in class as the final word.
Posted by Mr. Holcomb on 09/11 at 09:59 AM
Geometry •
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Monday, September 10, 2007
Algebra (Class 4)
Overview
In today’s class we continue our work with expressions and equations to include working with grouping symbols (ex: ( ), [ ], / ), translating words into expressions, and solving puzzles that involve balance.
Textbook Sections
§1.2 (Txt. p.6) Grouping Symbols
Key Attitudes
Being helpful and productive
Key Ideas
Using variables
Translating words into symbols
Equations are a balance
Key Skills
Solve problems with money and decimals.
Use variable in expressions and equations.
Use the distributive property and the conventions for order of operations to evaluate expressions.
Find the value that make an equation true.
Add and subtract proper fractions using pictures and numerical procedures
Place value, rounding, and expanded form of decimals
Turn-In (#3)
Menu
Handouts
No Handouts Posted
Assignment
Finish Unit 3: Expressions and Equations Week 10 packet
Txt. p.8 #1-10, 29, 30
Disclaimer- The assignment as stated in class is the official assignment. Every effort is made to keep this posting accurate, but you should refer to what was stated in class as the final word.
Posted by Mr. Holcomb on 09/10 at 08:11 AM
Algebra 1 •
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Friday, September 07, 2007
Geometry (Class 4)
Overview
In today’s class we pick up where we left last time-- finding the areas of the shapes. We then continue our work building our understanding of the Pythagorean theorem and using our algebra skills to prove that it is always true. Finally we will see how the Pythagorean theorem can be used to find the distance between any two points on a coordinate plane when the coordinates for the points is known.
Textbook Sections
§1.3 (Txt. p. 17) Segments and Their Measures
Key Attitudes
Being helpful and productive
Key Ideas
Given a segment AC with point D between A and C, the sum of AD and DC is equal to AC.
Definitions of squares, rectangles, parallelograms, and right triangles.
The area of a shape can be found by cutting it into pieces, finding the area of each piece, and then adding all of the pieces together.
Explain the connection between the Pythagorean theorem and the Distance Formula
Key Skills
Finding areas of irregular polygons by dissection.
Determining if a square can be made on a dot grid.
Use the distance formula to find the distance between two points in the coordinate plane
Proving the Pythagorean theorem using a geometric model
Turn-In (#3)
Txt. p.14 #33-35, 40-43, 65-67
Txt. p.785 #1-28
Handouts
No Handouts Posted
Assignment
Txt. p.786 #1-24
Txt. p.16 #77-96
Txt. p.21 #19-30 odd
Chapter 1-Lesson 2 through #19
Disclaimer- The assignment as stated in class is the official assignment. Every effort is made to keep this posting accurate, but you should refer to what was stated in class as the final word.
Posted by Mr. Holcomb on 09/07 at 09:49 AM
Geometry •
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Thursday, September 06, 2007
Algebra (Class 3)
Overview
In today’s class we continue learning about expressions and equations.
Textbook Sections
Key Attitudes
Being helpful and productive
Key Ideas
Using variables
Translating words into symbols
Equations are a balance
Key Skills
Solve problems with money and decimals.
Use variable in expressions and equations.
Use the distributive property and the conventions for order of operations to evaluate expressions.
Find the value that make an equation true.
Add and subtract proper fractions using pictures and numerical procedures
Place value, rounding, and expanded form of decimals
Turn-In (#2)
§1-1 (Txt. p.3) #1-37 odd
Handouts
No Handouts Posted
Assignment
Packet-- Skill Builder 1A & 1B
Disclaimer- The assignment as stated in class is the official assignment. Every effort is made to keep this posting accurate, but you should refer to what was stated in class as the final word.
Posted by Mr. Holcomb on 09/06 at 08:09 AM
Algebra 1 •
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Wednesday, September 05, 2007
Geometry (Class 3)
Overview
In today’s class we being our second lesson for Chapter 1. This lesson develops the concept of the Pythagorean theorem and how it can be used to find the distance between two points in the coordinate plane. It will take us more than one class period to complete this lesson.
Textbook Sections
§1.3 (Txt. p. 17) Segments and Their Measures
Vocabulary
constraint
coordinate
distance
segment addition postulate
distance formula
congruent segments
Key Attitudes
Math is about investigating and dicovering.
Key Ideas
Finding the distance between two points on a number line and in the coordinate plane.
Key Skills
Drawing squares on a coordinate grid given one side
Finding the area of a shape drawn on a dot grid.
Finding the length of a segment on a dot grid.
Drawing a segment on a dot grid of a specified length, like 13^1/2
Turn-In (#2)
Ch. 1 Lesson 1
Handouts
Chapter 1- Lesson 2: Segments and Their Measures
Assignment
Txt. p.14 #33-35, 40-43, 5, 65-67
Txt. p.785 #1-28
Disclaimer- The assignment as stated in class is the official assignment. Every effort is made to keep this posting accurate, but you should refer to what was stated in class as the final word.
Posted by Mr. Holcomb on 09/05 at 08:41 AM
Geometry •
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