We have already learned two ways to solve quadratic equations, one method by taking the square root of both sides and another method by using the quadratic formula. Today you will learn another way to solve quadratics - by factoring. You will need to complete these practice problems which will be due at the beginning of class tomorrow.
May 10:
Due to a change in the schedule for CATS testing, we will not have class today. Don't forget that if you did not come in yesterday to Show What You Know about Polynomials, you will need to come in this afternoon. Due to testing schedules, you will only have the option to take the test in the afternoon at North Campus Room 315.
May 9:
After checking your practice problems, we will begin our next lesson on proportions. We will be using the videos below. You will need to complete these practice problems which are due at the beginning of class on Thursday.
May 6:
Today we will check your answers to your review sheet over polynomial operations. Don't forget that you need to make arrangements to stay after school either Monday or Tuesday next week to Show What You Know about Polynomial Operations (there is a bus available on Monday but not on Tuesday). Today we will apply the properties of exponents that you have learned to scientific notation. Click here for the practice problems that are due on Monday.
Online practice for scientific notation (also practice multiplying and dividing)
April 29:
Although we have already been studying the properties of exponents and you just didn't know it, today we will look more closely at these properties and actually write out the rules. However, I don't recommend just memorizing the rules, but rather THINKING about the process and what it means.
April 26:
We will take today to quickly review some pre-algebra topics that you may have forgotten or that we didn't quite get to before Christmas. We will be using the websites below to review. Tonight you will need to complete more practice problems over factoring.
April 25:
Today we will finish our lesson on factoring. Remember, you should always look for factoring in this order...1) greatest common factor, 2) special cases, 3) two binomials. Click here for tonight's practice problems.
Factoring Videos
Brightstorm Video - Greatest Common Factor
Factoring Practice
April 19:
Today we will continue with multiplying polynomials. You will need to complete these practice problems for tomorrow. You can use the websites listed below for additional practice.
Online Practice for Multiplying Monomials
Online Quiz for Multiplying Binomials and Perfect Square Binomials
Online Practice for Multiplying Polynomials
Online Practice for Multiplying Perfect Squares Binomials
April 18:
First we will check your answers to the practice problems over adding and subtracting polynomials. Hopefully you found this topic to be pretty easy! Today we will focus on multiplying polynomials, and we will be using this exploratory website in class. (Don't forget that today you will also have an opportunity to Show What You Know about Radicals. You need to either report to Mrs. Ray's room before 7:15 AM or you need to come after school to room 315 of OMS North)
March 31:
Click here and here for the answers to last night's practice problems over the Pythagorean Theorem. Today we were going to cram in three lessons about square roots - how to add & subtract square roots, how to multiply square roots, and how to rationalize the denominator of a fraction. You will need to complete the practice problems for these three lessons over spring break (yes - I know - what a bummer!!! Just remember...we are trying to complete an entire algebra I course in a few short months!) Please refer to the videos posted and the online practice websites for additional help. And, despite the homework, I do hope you enjoy your spring break!!!
Online Practice Websites:
Rationalizing the Denominator
March 30:
Click here for the answers to last night's practice problems over solving simple quadratics. Today we will continue with the digital lesson on the Pythagorean Theorem. Click here (#1-9) and here for tonight's practice problems over this material.
Online Practice for Pythagorean Theorem
March 29:
Click here for the answers to last night's practice problems. Today we will learn how to solve quadratic equations using square roots. Click here for tonight's practice problems over this material. We will also begin looking at the next lesson over Pythagorean Theorem. Click here for the notebook software lesson that you will work through independently.
Brighstorm Video - Solving Quadratic Equations Using Square Roots
March 28:
Today we will learn that square roots can be written in simplest form, just like fractions. Click here for the practice problems that will be due tomorrow.
Brightstorm Video - Simplifying Radical Expressions
Exploring Simplifying Square Roots
March 25:
Don't forget that you will need to come in before class or after school for your Show What You Know about Absolute Value on Monday. Today we will begin looking at square roots. Click here for the practice problems over this material.
Square Root Flashcards
March 24:
Since several students will be out today for band, we will spend the period reviewing for Monday's Show What You Know about Absolute Value. The I Can statements that you need to have mastered for this assessment are listed below. You can prepare by reworking practice problems, watching the videos, or using the sites listed on previous postings.
I Can simplify absolute value expressions.
I Can identify the shifts and reflections in absolute value graphs from its equation.
I Can solve absolute value equations.
I Can solve absolute value inequalities.
March 22:
Click here for the answers to last night's practice problems over solving and graphing absolute value equations. Today we will begin solving absolute value inequalities. Click here for tonight's practice problems over this material.
More online practice for solving absolute value equations and inequalities
How to check your answers for solving absolute value equations and inequalities using a graphing calculator
March 21:
Click here to access the answers to the practice problems over evaluating absolute value equations. Click here to access the answers to transformations of absolute value graphs. Today we will begin solving absolute value equations. Click here for tonight's practice problems.
March 18:
Today we will learn how to evaluate absolute value expressions. We will also explore how to shift the graphs of absolute value equations up, down, left, and right as well as reflect it over the x-axis. Click here for the practice problems over this material.
Online Game to Practice Simplify Absolute Value
Number Balls Absolute Value
Short Quiz - Evaluating Absolute Value
Brightstorm Video - Shifts in Absolute Value Graphs
http://www.supermathsworld.com - Sign in using the password. Click on Algebra. Then select Transforming Graphs and play the Easy Level. (You can try the medium level, but it's a little more challenging!!)
March 17:
Today we will leave the world of linear equations and begin exploring non-linear equations using this website.
Don't forget that tomorrow you will have an opportunity to Show What You Know about Inequalities. You may come in at 7 AM at OMS South or come after school to OMS North. Click here for how to work the problems on the study guide.
March 16:
Today we will begin by completing the first four practice problems on this website to review graphing systems of inequalities. You will then have the rest of the period to work on the study guide to prepare for Friday's Show What You Know about Inequalities.
March 15:
Click here for the answers to last night's practice problems over graphing inequalities in a coordinate plane. Today we will begin solving systems of linear inequalities.
Brightstorm Video on Solving Systems on Inequalities - Be sure to view the concept and the first three examples.
March 14:
Click here for the answers to the practice problems over solving compound inequalities. Today we will begin graphing linear inequalities on a coordinate plane. Click here for tonight's practice problems.
Graphing Inequalities on a Coordinate Plane Online Practice
Online Video - Brightstorm - Be sure to watch the concept as well as the 3 examples.
March 11:
Today we will finish our lesson on solving compound inequalities. Click here for tonight's practice problems.
Click here for additional online problems if you need more practice.
Online Video - Brightstorm - Solving Compound Inequalities - Be sure to view the concept as well as the 3 examples.
Today's Survey
March 10:
Click here to access the answers to last night's practice over solving inequalities (including multiplying and/or dividing by a negative number -- don't forget to switch the direction of the sign!) Today we will begin looking at compound inequalities.
March 9:
Today we will continue solving inequalities, but we will look closely at examples that involve multiplying or dividing by a negative number. Click here to access the practice problems that are due tomorrow.
March 4:
We have now finished our unit on Systems of Equations. You will have an opportunity to Show What You Know about this material on Tuesday. Click here for the practice problems to review the skills you need to have mastered for this assessment. Today we will begin working with inequalities. Click here for the notebook software lesson we will use in class.
March 3:
Click here for the answers to last night's second set of practice problems over the combination method. Today we will work with solving word problems by writing a system of equations. Remember, the important part is that you are able to set up the system of equations. I am going to assume you can solve these now and so you can use the program PolySmlt on a graphing calculator to solve the system. If you don't have a graphing calculator with this program, you can use this online version (scroll to the first blue box to enter the numbers). Otherwise, you will need to solve them by hand or you will need to come to class a little bit early tomorrow to borrow a school calculator. Click here for tonight's practice problems.
March 2:
Click here to check your answers from last night's first set of practice problems over the combination method. Today we will continue with the combination method, focusing on having to multiply both equations by a constant to eliminate x or y and problems with infinite or no solutions. Click here for tonight's practice problems.
Practice Websites:
Basic Practice
Hoop Shoot
Quia - Jeopardy
March 1:
Click here to check your answers from last night's practice problems over the substitution method. Today we will begin our third and final method for solving systems of equations - the combination method (sometimes called the elimination method). Click here for tonight's practice problems.
Show What You Know about Graphing and Writing Equations of Lines
February 25:
Today we will continue and finish our lesson on solving systems using the substitution method. Click here to access the practice problems that are due on Monday.
February 24:
Today we will finish our lesson on solving systems by graphing. Click here to access the practice problems. We will also begin looking at our second method for solving systems - the substitution method.
ExploreLearning Website - Substitution Method
February 23:
Today we will begin looking at how to solve a system of linear equations by graphing. This is our first of three methods that we will learn.
Super Maths World - Log on using the password 089owen. Click on Algebra. Then select Simultaneous Equaions. Choose the Easy Level.
February 22:
Today we will finish reviewing for tomorrow's Show What You Know about Writing Equations of Lines and Scatterplots. Remember that you will need to complete this Show What You Know outside of class, either in the morning at 7 AM in Mrs. Ray's room or in the afternoon in Room 315 of OMS North. We will also begin our next chapter on Systems of Equations by determining if a given point is a solution to a system.
Have you ever played the game Battleship? Today we will take a look at linear systems and, believe it or not, I will connect it to this game!
February 21:
Click here for the answers to the practice problems over scatterplots and line of best fit. Today we will begin reviewing for your Show What You Know about Writing Equations of Lines and Scatterplots on Wednesday. The "I Can" Statements that you need to have mastered are listed below.
Websites for use in class today:
Finding Equations of Lines Online Practice
Writing Equations of Parallel and Perpendicular Lines
Writing Equations of Vertical and Horizontal Lines
I Can Statements to Master for the next Show What You Know:
I Can write the equation of a line given a graph.
I Can write the equation of a line given slope and a point.
I Can write the equation of a line given two points.
I Can write the equations of horizontal and vertical lines.
I Can write the equations of parallel and perpendicular lines.
I Can identify positive, negative, and no correlation in a scatterplot.
I Can identify a correct line of best fit for a scatterplot.
I Can interpret a scatterplot.
February 18:
Click here for the answers to last night's practice problems. Today we will look at scatterplots, line of best fit, and correlation. Click here for the website we will use in class. Click here for tonight's practice problems.
Online Practice:
Scatterplots
February 17:
Click here and here for the answers to last night's practice problems. Today we will begin writing the equation for a line given two points. Remember, just like yesterday, each time you need 1) the slope and 2) the y-intercept. Click here to access the notes from today's class. Click here to access tonight's practice problems.
Online practice game - Eat or Be Eaten
Finding Equations of Lines Online Practice
February 16:
Today we will begin writing the equation for a line given its graph or given slope and a point. Remember, each time you need 1) the slope and 2) the y-intercept. Click here to access today's notes from class. Click here to access tonight's practice problems.
Websites to writing the equation for a line given its graph or slope and a point:
Super Maths World - Log on using the password 089owen. Click on Expert. Then select Coordinate Geometry. Finally choose Equation of a Line.
Line Gem 1
Algebra versus the Cockroaches
Save the Zogs
Writing Equations of Parallel and Perpendicular Lines
Writing Equations of Vertical and Horizontal Lines
February 11:
We will continue with graphing lines today using slope-intercept form (y=mx+b), but we will first have to solve the equation for y. Click here to access the practice problems that are due at the beginning of class on Monday. (Here are the answers for last night's practice problems for graphing lines.) Today's lesson also finishes Chapter 4 and we will be preparing for our next Show What You Know for next week. I have listed below the "I Can" statements that you need to have mastered for this assessment.
I can determine if a given point is a solution to a given equation.
I can identify ordered pair solutions to a given equation and plot these on a coordinate plane.
I can identify the x-intercept and y-intercept from a graph of a line.
I can determine the x-intercept and y-intercept given the equation of a line.
I can calculate the slope of a line from the graph of a line (using rise over run) (including horizontal and vertical lines).
I can calculate the slope of a line given two points. (difference of y's over difference of x's) (including horizontal and vertical lines).
I can graph a line using slope-intercept form (including horizontal and vertical lines).
I can rewrite an equation in slope-intercept form (solve for y).
February 10:
NO SCHOOL - SNOW DAY!!!
February 9:
Today we will begin graphing line using the slope and the y-intercept. Click here to access the website that we will be using in class to explore slope-intercept form. Here are the practice problems that are due at the beginning of class tomorrow.
Websites to practice slope-intercept form:
Super Maths World - Log on using the password 089owen. Click on Algebra. Then select Straight Lines 2. Select the Easy Level for parallel lines practice and select the Medium Level for perpendicular lines practice.
Graphing the Line y=mx+b
Line Gem 1
Algebra versus the Cockroaches
Save the Zogs
February 8:
Today we will finish our lesson on slope. We will also discover the relationship between the slopes of parallel and perpendicular lines.
Click here for the interactive to use with the slope of parallel lines.
Click here for the interactive to use with the slope of perpendicular lines.
Here are the practice problems that are due tomorrow.
Additional Websites to Practice -
Finding Slope from Two Points
February 7:
We will continue exploring slope using this website today. We will learn how to calculate the slope using the coordinates of two points on the line, rather than using a grid and calculating rise over run. Be sure you have mastered BOTH methods.
Identify the Slope Error #1
Identify the Slope Error #2
Online games to practice calculating slope given two points:
Plotter the Penguin - Click on Slope
ClassZone - Slope - Click on Chapter 4 - Select Lesson 4.4
Super Maths World - Log on using the password 089owen. Click on Expert. Then select Coordinate Geometry. Select Gradient between Two Points.
February 4:
Today we will begin looking at the slope of a line. We will be using several websites in class. All of them are listed below.
Understanding Rise and Run with Plotter the Penguin
Super Maths World - Log on using the password 089owen. Click on Algebra. Then select Straight Lines 1. Select the Easy Level.
February 3:
Click here to access today's review website for finding the solutions of an equation and graphing them on a coordinate plane. (If the link does not take you directly to the interactive site, please make the following selections: 1) Select your Subject - Middle School Math; 2) Select your State - KY; 3) Press Go. Click on the MathThematics 2008 Book 3. Click on animations. Click on Modules 5 - 6. Select the last icon in the top row- Module 6 - Graphing.)
Click here to access the website to practice finding the x and y-intercepts of an equation and graphing these points on a coordinate plane. (If the link does not take you directly to the interactive site, please make the following selections: 1) Select your Subject - High School Math; 2) Select your State - KY; 3) Press Go. Click on the Algebra I 2011 Book. Click on animations. Click on Chapter 4 - 6. Click on Chapter 4. Select the third icon - Using Intercepts to Graph an Equation.)
Here are the practice problems that are due at the beginning of class tomorrow.
Online practice problems:
Quia - Determining x- and y-intercepts
Class Zone - X and Y Intercepts - Click on Chapter 4 - Lesson 4.3
Online video tutorials:
Pearson Prentice Hall
February 2:
Today we will begin looking at the x and y-intercepts of the graph of a line. Click here to access the interactive we will use in class.
February 1:
Today we will check your answers to the Percent Equations Practice Problems (answers), the Mac-Attack worksheet (answers), and the Chicks Worksheet (answers). Tomorrow you will have an opportunity to Show What You Know about Solving Equations. Remember that you will need to complete this Show What You Know outside of class, either in the morning at 7 AM in Mrs. Ray's room or in the afternoon in Room 315 of OMS North.
January 31:
Today we will begin Chapter 4 by looking at solutions to equations with two variables. We will also plot these solutions on a coordinate plane and see that they will always form a straight line. Click below for the two worksheets that you will need to complete for tomorrow. Also, just as a reminder, please be preparing for your next Show What You Know about Solving Equations which will be on Wednesday.
Mac-Attack
What Helps Chicks Get Out of Their Shells?
January 28:
Today we will check our answers to the word problems and we will begin Solving Percent Equations. Click here for the practice problems that are due tomorrow at the beginning of class.
January 26:
SNOW DAY!! Hope you enjoyed your day off!
January 24:
Today we will begin
January 21:
NO SCHOOL - SNOW DAY!!!
January 20:
NO SCHOOL - SNOW DAY!!!
January 19:
Today we will begin solving multi-step equations, involving the distributive property and combining like terms. Click here to access the practice problems.
January 18:
No class due to MAPS testing.
January 17:
NO SCHOOL - Martin Luther King, Jr. Day
January 14:
Today we will begin solving multi-step equations, involving the distributive property and combining like terms. Click here to access the practice problems.
January 13:
Today we will continue solving one-step and two-step equations, but these equations will involve fractions. Click here to access the practice problems that are due at the beginning of class tomorrow.
Click here for additional resources such as videos and online practice websites.
January 12:
SNOW DAY #2!!! Hope you enjoyed another day off!! Don't forget about staying to Show What You Know tomorrow morning or tomorrow afternoon.
January 11:
SNOW DAY!!! Hope you enjoyed your day off!!
January 10:
Today we checked our practice problems from last week and reviewed for tomorrow's Show What You Know. Remember that you will need to complete this Show What You Know outside of class, either this afternoon in Room 315 of OMS North, tomorrow morning at 7 AM in Mrs. Ray's room, or tomorrow afternoon in Room 315 of OMS North (reminder - there are no afternoon busses on Tuesday).
January 7:
Click here to access the practice problems to review the eight lessons that you completed over Christmas break. These problems are due Monday at the beginning of class. Please remember, though, that this is only a sample of the questions. To make sure that you are completely ready for the Show What You Know you need to review all the practice problems that you completed from the eight lessons.
Click here to access the practice problems for solving one-step and two-step equations.
Click here for additional resources such as videos and online practice websites.
Welcome to Algebra I!!!
I am so excited you have decided that you love math as much as I do and you are ready for the challenge of algebraic thinking and symbolic manipulation (sounds like fun, huh?). Don't worry. As long as you are willing to work hard and ask questions, you will be fine.In order for us to cover all of the lesson objectives for an Algebra I course in less than 5 months, we will have to move at a pretty fast pace. One of the expectations you agreed to as a part of taking 6th grade Algebra I is to complete several lessons over Christmas break. These lessons will be posted on this blog, along with the practice problems (and their answers), videos, and interactive websites. I will expect you to have mastered all of the concepts and skills presented in these lessons before January 3rd. I recommend taking notes when you view the videos and writing down the practice problems that I work through. These notes will be helpful for you to refer to when completing the practice problems. Please use the answer keys wisely. I posted these so that you can check your answers as you go, and stop to get help before you work all of the problems incorrectly. You can email me about the ones you don't understand or make a note of these problems so that you can ask me questions when we return on January 3rd. I hope you realize that if you simply change your answers to the correct ones or just copy down the answers, you will be unable to pass the tests when we return.
Please feel free to email me (Sarah.Lamb@owensboro.kyschools.us) with any questions or problems you may have. I promise to be prompt with my response, and I will do whatever it takes to help you be successful. Be sure to bring all eight completed practice problem sets with you to school on January 3rd. We will be going over any questions that you may have as well as completing additional practice problems to prepare for your first Algebra I Show What You Know sometime the first week back!
Oh - and I hope you also have a wonderful Christmas break!!
Click here for the "I Can" Statements that you need to master before January 3rd.
LESSON ONE
Video for Lesson One - Translating Verbal to Algebraic Expressions (.wmv format or .flv format)
Practice Problems - due January 3rd
Answers to Practice Problems
Additional Websites to Practice Lesson One
LESSON TWO
Video for Lesson Two - Real Number System (.wmv format or .flv format)
Practice Problems - due January 3rd
Answers to Practice Problems
Additional Websites to Practice Lesson Two
LESSON THREE
Video for Lesson Three - Adding Integers (.wmv format or .flv format)
Practice Problems - due January 3rd
Answers to Practice Problems
Additional Websites to Practice Lesson Three
LESSON FOUR
Video for Lesson Two - Subtracting Integers (.wmv format or .flv format)
Practice Problems - due January 3rd
Answers to Practice Problems
Additional Websites to Practice Lesson Four
LESSON FIVE
Video for Lesson Three - Multiplying and Dividing Integers (.wmv format or .flv format)
Practice Problems - due January 3rd
Answers to Practice Problems
Additional Websites to Practice Lesson Five
LESSON SIX
Video for Lesson Six - Evaluating Expressions (.wmv format or .flv format)
Practice Problems - due January 3rd
Answers to Practice Problems
Additional Websites to Practice Lesson Six
LESSON SEVEN
Video for Lesson Seven - Combining Like Terms (.wmv format or .flv format)
Practice Problems - due January 3rd
Answers to Practice Problems
Additional Websites to Practice Lesson Seven
LESSON EIGHT
Video for Lesson Eight - Distributive Property (.wmv format or .flv format)
Practice Problems - due January 3rd
Answers to Practice Problems
Additional Websites to Practice Lesson Eight
