Final Blog

Here is what we studied this semester. Look over the description and answer the three questions posted below:

Chapter 6 was about fractions (simplifying fractions by factoring, multiplying, dividing, adding & subtracting fractions).

Chapter 7 was about applying fractions (ratios, proportions, percents, mixture/work problems, scientific notation).

Chapter 8 was about functions (slope of a line, equation of a line, graphing using slope-intercept form, determining the equation of a line).

Chapter 9 was about systems of linear equations (solving using several methods - graphing, substitution, and add/sub - wind, water current problems & puzzle problems).

Chapter 10 was about inequalities (combined inequalities, conjunctions & disjunctions, absolute value, systems of linear inequalities).

Chapter 11 was about rational and irrational numbers (irrational square roots, square roots of variable expressions, add/sub/mult/div radicals, multiplying binomials with radicals, radical equations).

Question #1: What were the three most difficult concepts for you this semester and why? How will you study for these for the final?

Question #2: Some students love the challenge of mathematics, and others not so much. Do you like mathematics? Why or why not?

Question #3: Regardless of whether you enjoy studying mathematics or not, do you feel like this Algebra class was successful in moving you through this enormous amount of material? Why or why not?

The Home Stretch

One chapter left. One quiz left. Then the final. You're almost there! Write three adjectives to describe how you're feeling.

If you were to give some advice (or a warning) to the upcoming 7th graders, what would it be?

Will you work hard until the end, or give up because you're tired? Name two things you will do DIFFERENTLY from what you've done all year?

(You must answer all questions thoroughly to receive all points on this assignment. Remember, lame answer = lame grade.)

Chapter 9 Word Problem Challenge

This last chapter was a very important chapter because it teaches us methods of solving all sorts of real-world problems that involve more than one variable.

Write a wind, water current, or puzzle word problem that you think is challenging. Then solve the problem, providing only the answer in the same post. The most challenging two problems from the class with the correct answers will receive bonus.

Moving Along...

Yes, we're moving fast. I supply examples in class and explanations in the solutions on the wiki, as well as post keynotes and open my door to questions every day. Answer the following questions:

1) Are you preparing yourself the way you should be? If yes, how are you preparing? If not, what are you doing, and what could you be doing better?

2) The bar has been set high in the mathematics department at KIS. Do you feel like you are a strong enough student to excel in high school mathematics? Are you organizational skills excellent, adequate, or below where they need to be?

Why are we graphing equations???

Answer these three questions about Chapter 8.

1) In your opinion, what is the point of graphing equations? What does it help us understand?

2) Do you feel like you understood all of the concepts prior to this test? Which was the most difficult concept for you to understand?

3) Make one goal for the 4th quarter, but do not make it about grades. For example, if you want your grade to be higher, what can you do to make that happen?

This blog will be graded based on the completeness and thoughtfulness of your responses.

Looking back at Chapter 7...

Look over the lessons in Chapter 7. Why do you think the editors of this textbook put all of this material together in one chapter? What connects all of the lessons? Are there any lessons in Chapter 7 that do not fit in the chapter? Where should they go instead? Also, do you think other lessons could be added to this chapter? If so, which ones, and why? If not, why not?

(Yes, there are many questions to answer here. You will be graded on your ability to produce well-reasoned answers.)

MIXTURES are too much WORK!

The sections on Mixtures and Work simply add one or two steps from your previous knowledge from Chapters 3 and 4. Answer the following questions to help you address your issues with these types of problems.

1) Are mixture problems difficult to set up in a chart? Why or why not? Will you always need an extra 3rd row in your chart?

2) Are work problems difficult to set up in a chart? Why or why not? What things do you always have to remember for these types of problems?

3) For mixture problems, we usually use decimals. For work problems, we use fractions. Which one is more difficult for you to solve? Why?

Review Game

Invent a new review game for the end of a chapter. How would it be structured? Would there be a clearly-defined winner? Make sure this game incorporates everyone in the class, where everyone is actively reviewing the material on some level.