Monday, April 30th, 2007

Sorry, meeting cut my time short this afternoon so this is brief


Algebra II: Worksheet, skip the left column.


Algebra I: Worksheet, only do the right column. Benchmark exam is tomorrow.


Good luck!

Thursday, April 26th, 2007

Algebra II: Still working with rational expressions and simplifying, take a look at 581 if you weren't in class -- it's a good way to check yourself after you have worked so hard on the problems! Expect a quick 2 question, 10 point quiz at the beginning of class -- remember how to factor x^2-144 for the quiz!!! No Homework -- enjoy the musical!


Algebra I: We have multiplied expressions, and now we are learning to factor. Try using the boxes to figure out what you need to multiply in order to find the desired result. Homework is page 578 1-21 odd, but it isn't due until Monday, so take your time with it and check your work carefully. ** Reminder : the benchmark is coming up next Tuesday!!! Be ready!

Wednesday, April 25th, 2007

Algebra II: Sorry for the late post -- HW P. 578 #34-42


Algebra I: HW was a worksheet on multiplying binomials -- be sure to practice, the benchmark exam is scheduled for Tuesday, and I'm told there will be plenty on there!

Tuesday, April 24th, 2007

Algebra II: Went over the assignment and talked more about rational expressions. No new homework -- I hope the PSSA went well!


Algebra I: Lab day today, take it easy tonight and be ready to finish your Terra Nova tests tomorrow. We'll visit the lab again tomorrow, but get back to classwork for Thursday.

Monday, April 23rd, 2007

Algebra II: Today we "closed" discussion on graphing rational equations, and started talking about simplifying rational expressions. Note, because we are working with expressions, there are no equal signs and only one exponent, so we can't graph.... or can we? Throw a y= on the left and you can graph away. So, some of you may have guessed it, we'll be back to graphing soon enough. Tomorrow we're going to the lab, and I won't check this homework until Wednesday so if you are reading this, get some extra sleep and be ready for the PSSA Science test. There will be a SHORT additional assignment tomorrow, but you'll have no trouble lumping the two together and getting them done by Wednesday. "Tonight": p. 578 18-22all , 24-30 all


Algebra I: You must think it's Christmas again because there's no homework, instead, go home and get a good night's rest to be ready for the Terra Nova. Remember these go on your record, and help us decide what classes to place you in next year and beyond so do your best!

Friday, April 20th, 2007

Algebra II: Quiz seems to be decent, I think the class did well. Thank you to those of you that worked on your projects the last two weeks, most looked really good. Anyone that did not finish your project already, remember, every day at 9:20, I subtract 10% if I don't have it in my possession! Homework was the "quiz" p. 571, 1-10 and the graphs just need to be sketches -- just be careful with your asymptotes.


Algebra I: No new homework, just rest up and be ready for the Terra Nova tests on Tuesday. Good luck!

Thursday, April 19th, 2007

Algebra II: Don't forget to finish your projects. I am going to be looking at your choice of equation to model your data very closely, so be sure to back up why you chose that type of equation. Quiz tomorrow will cover domain, range, vertical asymptotes, x and y intercepts and graphing. As long as you can do the example problems from 8.1 to 8.3 you'll be fine.


Algebra I: Quiz tomorrow! Sum, difference and product of polynomials, without any special bells or whistles. I'm collecting the homework from Wednesday for 2x the points, be sure you bring it!!!! No new homework -- study up!

Wednesday, April 18th, 2007

Algebra II: We worked on graphing rational functions with different degree in the numerator and denominator, don't forget to use your notetaking guide to help P. 568 1, 3-6, 13-14 and finish the two checkpoint problems from the notetaking guide.


Algebra I: Remember to think about test taking strategies -- the Terra Nova's are coming!!! Homework is to work on special products of polynomials and the worksheet from yesterday.

Tuesday, April 17th, 2007

Sorry folks, was still worn out from being sick, I forgot to post on Monday. Alg2 - no homework, Alg 1 - worksheet which I did not collect during class because so many students were out.

Algebra II: New homework, old topic -- graphing. Homework was page 561, #1-13odd, mostly graphing, and since I gave you graph paper, I want accurate graphs. Thank you! Look for a quiz on Friday asking about Domain, Range, Asymptotes and a little graphing.


Algebra I: Not to worksheet you to death, but I gave you one more problem to hopefully connect the current subject to real life experiences. Note, please be sure to practice FOIL, there will be a quiz on Friday.

Thursday, April 12th, 2007

Algebra II: We had a great discussion on our past graphs, domain and range -- I think everyone is really getting it. We also started inverse variation today, and got through most of 8.1. Homework is P. 555 3-13 all and 37-40 -- focus on 37 through 40 and be sure to read the questions at least twice BEFORE you start working on the problem!


Algebra I: Cognitive tutor lab day - by the end of class today, you are expected to be done with Unit 32. If you are not through 32, you MUST see me about catching up before/after school. Homework was a worksheet -- sorry, still can't attach a PDF, just a picture... Any suggestions??

Wednesday, April 11th, 2007

Algebra II: Review went a lot worse than expected, so we're doing more review for hw. Homework was p. 557 43-53



Algebra I: Starting with polynomials, identifying degree and leading coefficient. Homework was p. 557 17-26

Tuesday, April 10th, 2007

Algebra II: We finished the unit on the computer and moved on to a new section. Students received a copy of their project and MUST sign up for a particular country -- don't forget! Homework: Left column of worksheet


Algebra I: We finished a unit in the computer lab and moved backwards to 12. Homework is from unit9 (worksheet) skip 4 5 and 6!

Spring Break Note

Thank you to all who have been using this as a tool in keeping current, taking responsibility is very important to making the grade!

Both classes: When we get back from break, I will be assigning a project that should take on the order of 2 weeks to complete. You will be afforded only minimal class time to work on this, instead relying on you to take time at home in the evenings and during weekends. This project requires you to do some research on populations, make predictions based upon information, and report findings to the group. You will be required to type your information, submit a copy electronically (email/cd/flash drive), and present a portion to the class. Visual aid is strongly suggested, and you will be required to site your sources of all information for full credit. More information will come in class, but I am always available to discuss the project with you during the morning, or after school tutoring sessions, or by email: runderwood2@pghboe.net

I hope you are having a wonderful break, I leave you with a picture of a young (11 week old) mathematician for inspiration.

Wednesday, April 4th, 2007

Algebra II - The final piece of the test was a response to the definition of a logarithm -- if you read the prompt, breathe, read it again, think about it, and read it again, you should have had no problem answering. Don't get all worried when math class has words instead of numbers!! Picture the last time you got a paycheck, or bought something at the mall, you probably thought yourself through the numbers by explaining the situation (which required words and numbers), but you didn't freak out then, did you?

There is a short quick worksheet for homework -- realize that the first side is MOSTLY explanation/examples and NOT problems you have to do (the answers are supplied below). Also, you do not have to create the equations for the growth/decay functions, just tell me which they are. Have a great break, but don't count your chickens before the hatch.

Algebra I - Cognitive tutor day -- hopefully you made it to lesson 32 for full credit this quarter, if not, you can always work on the tutor outside of class to make sure you are keeping up! Congratulations to Samantha and Paige for completing 32. Great job ladies!

No new homework, but watch for info on an upcoming project.

Tuesday, April 3rd, 2007

Algebra II - Today was a graph day, and people are still struggling with Domain/Range of functions. Realize that the domain is the set of all x's that can be put into the function to receive a valid answer -- if your calculator says ERROR in the table under y1, that value is NOT in the domain. The range is the set of all y's or answers that you get out -- often you can look at your graph and realize it is or is not continuing through the positive/negative numbers or zero.
No new homework, finish the take home test...


Algebra I - Test was today, and you can finish it at home. I encourage you to write out possible combinations or permutations when solving those types of problems. Writing out even a small set of the possible answers in an ordered list can help tremendously.
Homework is to finish the test.

April 2nd, 2007

Algebra II -- quizzes came back today, graphing is the biggest issue... Come see me to get the take home test, it is due Wednesday -- oh, and don't bring the take home test to class Tuesday!!!!!!!

Algebra I - We finished chapter 13 today, talking about Box and Whisker plots, with IQR, Quartiles and % of data. I gave out a worksheet for homework/review, don't forget to read the instructions carefully!