Thursday, April 19, 2007
Algebra (Class 70)
Announcements
I am considering offering a bonus for students who score at a “Proficient” or “Advanced” level on the upcoming CST (STAR) tests. Here is one way it might work:
A student scores “Advanced”, the highest level, then I would raise that student’s second semester grade 2/3 of a letter grade. In other words, if that student had earned a B+ for the semester, then I would change the grade after I receive the CST scores in August to an A! If the student had a B, then his new grade would be an A-.
If a student scored “Proficient”, the second highest level, then I would raise the student’s second semester grade 1/3 of a letter grade. So a B would become a B+, or an B+ would become and A-.
For any other CST scores, Basic, Below Basic, of Far Below Basic, the student’s letter grade for the course would remain unchanged.
What do you think? Other suggestions? Share them with me either in class or via email.
Overview
In the last class we saw that two rules, linear equations, can share the same pair of values-- the pair of values where the lines intersect. In this class we will work towards mastering the algebra required to find this point of intersection.
Textbook Sections
§9-2 (Txt. p.417) The Substitution Method
§9-4 (Txt. p.426) The Addition-or-Subtraction Method
Key Attitudes
Mathematics is about generalizing and applying patterns.
Key Ideas
The solution to a system of equations is represented graphically by the point of intersection of two lines.
The coordinates of the point of intersection of two lines will be a shared solution to both equations.
Two equations will have a shared solution ONLY IF the two lines intersect.
Key Skills
Finding the point of intersection of two lines by: graphing, using substitution, using addition or subtraction of equations.
Vocabulary
System of linear equations
point of intersection
substitution method
graphing method
intersect
intercept
solve a system of linear equations
Handouts
No Handouts Posted
Assignment
§§9-2 (Txt. p.419)#1-6
§9-4 (Txt. p.426) #1-6
Mixed Review p.425 #1-6
Practice Worksheet 13.14
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.
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