Monday 12/16

Well, here we are. Finals week. The last chance to impact your grade (hopefully in a good way!) before we break for three weeks and start anew next semester.

We spent our class period today answering any last-minute questions you had and wrapping up our First Semester Final Review, which is due the day you take your final.

Homework #69: Finish the First Semester Final Review worksheet
Solutions: First Semester Final Review answer key

If you get stuck, The Community is here to help and the honors classes have been putting together solution videos for you:

Problem 1	Problem 11	Problem 21	Problem 31	Problem 41
Problem 2	Problem 12	Problem 22	Problem 32	Problem 42
Problem 3	Problem 13	Problem 23	Problem 33	Problem 43
Problem 4	Problem 14	Problem 24	Problem 34	Problem 44
Problem 5	Problem 15	Problem 25	Problem 35	Problem 45
Problem 6	Problem 16	Problem 26	Problem 36	Problem 46
Problem 7	Problem 17	Problem 27	Problem 37	Problem 47
Problem 8	Problem 18	Problem 28	Problem 38	Problem 48
Problem 9	Problem 19	Problem 29	Problem 39	Problem 49
Problem 10	Problem 20	Problem 30	Problem 40	Problem 50

The resources to earn an "A" on the final are out there, the only missing ingredient now is your hard work and determination.

Here's a copy of the Final Exam schedule, so you know what to expect this week.

Happy studying!

Friday 12/13

We completed our review for our first semester Final Exam today by revisiting the Common Assessment #5 Preview.

Homework #68: Finish the CA #5 Final Exam Review worksheet
Solutions: CA #5 Final Exam Review answer key

I also passed out our First Semester Final Review today, to give you a chance to get a head start over the weekend. We'll use Monday to answer any questions you have about it, and allow you to finish it up in class. It will be due the day you take your Final Exam. It is a comprehensive review of every standard we've learned (and mastered) this year, and looks very similar to your Final Exam.

If you get stuck, The Community is here to help and the honors classes have been putting together solution videos for you:

Problem 1	Problem 11	Problem 21	Problem 31	Problem 41
Problem 2	Problem 12	Problem 22	Problem 32	Problem 42
Problem 3	Problem 13	Problem 23	Problem 33	Problem 43
Problem 4	Problem 14	Problem 24	Problem 34	Problem 44
Problem 5	Problem 15	Problem 25	Problem 35	Problem 45
Problem 6	Problem 16	Problem 26	Problem 36	Problem 46
Problem 7	Problem 17	Problem 27	Problem 37	Problem 47
Problem 8	Problem 18	Problem 28	Problem 38	Problem 48
Problem 9	Problem 19	Problem 29	Problem 39	Problem 49
Problem 10	Problem 20	Problem 30	Problem 40	Problem 50

The resources to earn an "A" on the final are out there, the only missing ingredient now is your hard work and determination.

Happy studying!

Thursday 12/12

Today we continued our preparations for the Final Exam by revisiting the Common Assessment #4 Preview.

There are only a few days left to get ready! Make sure you're doing everything possible to earn the grade you want.

Homework #67: CA #4 Final Exam Review worksheet
Solutions: CA #4 Final Exam Review answer key

Wednesday 12/11

Our review for the Final Exam rolled on today with a revisiting of the Common Assessment #3 Preview. This brings our comprehensive review up through week 10 of this semester.

Homework #66: CA #3 Final Exam Review worksheet
Solutions: CA #3 Final Exam Review answer key

Tuesday 12/10

Today we continued our Final Exam prep by revisiting the Common Assessment #2 Preview. This covers all the knowledge acquired during weeks four through seven of this semester.

Homework #65: Finish the CA #2 Final Exam Review worksheet
Solutions: CA #2 Final Exam Review answer key

A Final Exam study guide has also been uploaded to the Document Locker portion of this page.

Monday 12/9

We began our massive review for the Final Exam today by revisiting the Common Assessment #1 Preview. We're all going to do really well on the Final Exam!

Homework #64: Finish the CA #1 Final Exam Review worksheet
Solutions: Side 1 | Side 2

Don't forget to complete your CA #5 reflection sheets tonight at home and share them with your parents.

Here's a copy of the Final Exam schedule, for those that want to plan ahead.

Friday 12/6

Another week down! We have now made it through 16 weeks and only have a week of studying followed by a week of finals left in this semester.

Make sure you are doing everything you can to earn the grade you want.

Here is this weekend's extra credit:

Thursday 12/5

We finished reviewing for Common Assessment #5 today, which we'll be taking tomorrow. We worked through a multiple choice Preview sheet that looks very similar to the actual test. Students who are able to master this Preview will do very well on tomorrow's assessment.

Homework #63: Finish the Common Assessment #5 MC Preview worksheet
Solutions: Common Assessment #5 MC Preview answer key

You can watch videos of the phenomenal Mr. Martinez work though the Preview worksheet in Part 1, Part 2, and Part 3.

Part 1: 

Part 2: 

Part 3:

You'll be able to use the following assignments for tomorrow's notes and homework quiz; please make sure to have them with you and fully ready to go:

Week 16
Openers / Warm-Ups
Notes #38
Notes #39
Assignment #60 (TB pg 547)
Assignment #61 (Working Together Problems)
Assignment #62 (CA #5 Preview)
Assignment #63 (CA #5 MC Preview)  

Wednesday 12/4

Today we got ready for Common Assessment #5, which will be on Friday!

You received a practice common assessment today that looks very similar to the actual test.

Study hard! We want everyone to get 100%!!

Homework #62: Finish the Common Assessment #5 Preview worksheet
Solutions: Common Assessment #5 Preview answer key

Tuesday 12/3

We learned how to complete work together problems today using Notes #39. This was a hard lesson, and may require some extra work on your own to become comfortable with the concepts and proficient with all the problems.

I'd recommend spending some extra time with the notes tonight, especially the examples we didn't get to in class today. Purple Math, About.com, and Dr. Math are all great resources as well. Good luck and work hard!

If you get stuck on a few, be sure to bring me your questions in class tomorrow!

Homework #61: Working Together Problems worksheet
Solutions: Working Together Problems key

Monday 12/2

Today we learned how to add and subtract rational expressions with unlike denominators with Notes #38.

The key thing to remember is that you must first find a common denominator. Factoring the denominators helps you find the LCD, which will save you time! After that, just follow the same process as we learned before the Thanksgiving break.

Homework #60: TB pg 547 (#17-39 odd, #50)
Be sure to check your answers in the back of the book when finished!

Friday 11/22

Enjoy your week off with good food and a thankful family. Take a little break, rest up, and return ready for the final push to the end of first semester!

For those of you that can't bear the thought of being away from algebra for a whole week, we've put together an extra credit opportunity for you. This will be more than the weekly extra credit because it is a bit more time consuming. My advice is to break the assignment in to chunks and do a little bit each day.

The extra credit assignment has been posted in the Document Locker. It's due the day we return from Thanksgiving break, and is a good way to give your grade a little boost.

Thursday 11/21

We spent much of today's rainy day reviewing and practicing for tomorrow's test.

Homework #59: Finish the Test 15 Preview worksheet
Solutions: Preview sheet solutions

If you're stuck on any of the homework or need help studying, you could always ask The Community.

Also, an EXTRA CREDIT assignment has been posted in the Document Locker. It's due the day we return from Thanksgiving break, and is a good way to give your grade a little boost.

You'll be able to use the following assignments for tomorrow's notes and homework quiz; please make sure to have them with you and fully ready to go:

Week 15
Openers / Warm-Ups
Notes #35
Notes #36
Notes #37
Assignment #56 (Multiplying Rational Expressions)
Assignment #57 (TB pg 537)
Assignment #58 (TB pgs 586 & 547)
Assignment #59 (Test 15 Preview)

Wednesday 11/20

We reviewed multiplying and dividing rational expressions today, and begin adding and subtracting rational expressions (but only ones with common denominators) today with Notes #37.

Homework #58: TB pg 586 (#1-17 odd) & pg 547 (#1-11 odd)
Be sure to check your answers in the back of the book when finished

Tuesday 11/19

Today we learned how to divide rational expressions in Notes #36. To accomplish this, we listen to the dyslexic colonel who would say, "KCF"!

Keep the first fraction the same; Change the division to multiplication; then Flip the second rational number (reciprocal). We then carry the problem out as a multiplication problem.

Homework #57: TB pg 537 (#7-33 odd)
Be sure to check your answers in the back of the book when finished!

Monday 11/18

We learned how to multiply rational expressions today with Notes #35. To multiply rational expressions, we factor everything and then cancel common factors from the numerator and denominator. The answer should always be in the simplest form possible.

Homework #56: Multiplying Rational Expressions worksheet
Solutions: Multiplying Rational Expressions key

Friday 11/15

Congratulations on making it through another week of algebra! Come ready to work next week; we're not on vacation yet.

Here's this week's extra credit:

Thursday 11/14

Today, we spent the majority of class reviewing and practicing for tomorrow's test. Remember, tonight's Preview assignment looks exactly like tomorrow's test. Study hard!

Homework #55: Finish the Test 14 Preview worksheet
Solutions: Preview sheet solutions

If you're stuck on any of the homework or need help studying, you could always ask The Community.

You'll be able to use the following assignments for tomorrow's notes and homework quiz; please make sure to have them with you and fully ready to go:

Week 14
Openers / Warm-Ups
Notes #33
Notes #34
Assignment #53 (Rational Expressions 1)
Assignment #54 (Rational Expressions 2)
Assignment #55 (Test 14 Preview)

Wednesday 11/13

We continued simplifying rational expressions today with Notes #34, which added the concept of recognizing opposite factors (examples 4 and 5) to what we learned yesterday.

There are two typos on the worksheet for tonight. The numerator for #4 is 8x^2 + 12x and the numerator for #11 is y^2 - 2y - 10.


Homework #54: Rational Expressions 2 worksheet
Solutions: Rational Expressions 2 answer key

Tuesday 11/12

Welcome to the wonderful world of rational expressions! We used Notes #33 today to learn what rationals expressions are and how to simplify them.

Remember that the goal is to factor each polynomial in the rational expression, but that we use different techniques depending on whether or not it's a monomial, binomial, or trinomial. A solid understanding all of these vocabulary terms is essential to navigating this topic successfully!

There is one typo on the worksheet for tonight. The denominator for #22 is 2x^3 + 10x^2.

Homework #53: Finish the Rational Expressions 1 worksheet
Solutions: Rational Expressions 1 answer key

Friday 11/8

We've now reached the end of our unit on solving quadratic equations. We ramp up the difficulty next week when we move into rational expressions and equations. Enjoy your three day weekend!

There are five weeks left in this quarter. Are you on track to earn the grade you're hoping for?

Here's this week's extra credit:

Thursday 11/7

We continued studying for Common Assessment #4 today, which we'll be taking tomorrow.

Work hard and study tonight in order to arrive prepared tomorrow. We want everyone to be proficient! 

Homework #51: Finish the Common Assessment #4 MC Preview worksheet 
Solutions: Common Assessment #4 MC Preview answer key

You'll be able to use the following assignments for tomorrow's notes and homework quiz; please make sure to have them with you and fully ready to go:

Week 13
Openers / Warm-Ups
Notes #31
Notes #32
Assignment #49 (TB pg 489 & pg 472)
Assignment #50 (Projectile Word Problems)
Assignment #51 (CA #4 Preview)
Assignment #52 (CA #4 MC Preview) 

Wednesday 11/6

Today we got ready for Common Assessment #4, which will be on Friday!

You received a practice common assessment today that looks very similar to the actual test.

Study hard! We want everyone to be proficient!!

Homework #51: Finish the Common Assessment #4 Preview worksheet
Solutions: Common Assessment #4 Preview answer key

Tuesday 11/5

Look! A jumping Dolphin.

Today we learned how to solve projectile word problems with quadratic equations. These problems are the last of the material we will cover before Common Assessment #4. Together, we worked out every fourth problem on Notes #32.

Homework #50: Projectile Word Problems worksheet
Solutions: Projectile Word Problems key | work shown

If you're struggling with some of the homework, check out the "work shown" link above to see the work behind each problem.

Tomorrow we will begin our review for Friday's Common Assessment #4! A study guide for the upcoming common assessment can be found in the "Documents Locker" tab at the top of this page.

Monday 11/4

We began class today talking about success and preparation, especially after reviewing last week's test (for which a majority of students did not fully prepare).

Afterwards, we learned how to simplify radical expressions and use the discriminant with Notes #31.

Homework #49: TB pg 489 (#1-15 odd) & TB pg 472 (#5-21 odd)
Please check your answers in the back of the book when finished.

As we saw in class today, a lack of preparation leads to less-than-desirable results when asked to demonstrate proficiency on our weekly tests.

If you're having trouble with the concepts we've been learning, be sure to visit all the additional links and resources available to you. It is important that you keep pace with the class. Don't wait to begin preparing for Common Assessment #4 (which we'll be taking on Friday).

Success depends upon previous preparation, and without such preparation there is sure to be failure.  

- Confucius

There are no secrets to success. It is the result of preparation, hard work, and learning from failure.

- Colin Powell

Friday 11/1

Here is this week's extra credit:

Thursday 10/31

Today was a minimum day, so we spent what little time we had preparing for tomorrow's test. Study hard and be sure to arrive fully prepared! The minimum day schedule gives you plenty of time for homework and studying before Halloween activities tonight.

Homework #48: Finish the Test 12 Preview worksheet
Solutions: Preview sheet solutions

Be safe tonight.

You'll be able to use the following assignments for tomorrow's notes and homework quiz; please make sure to have them with you and fully ready to go:

Week 12
Openers / Warm-Ups
Notes #28
Notes #29
Notes #30
Assignment #45 (Solving Quadratic Equations)
Assignment #46 (Completing the Square)
Assignment #47 (Using the Quadratic Formula)
Assignment #48 (Test 12 Preview)

Wednesday 10/30

Today we rolled up our sleeves and dove headfirst into the quadratic formula with Notes #30. This is now the fourth different technique we've learned to solve quadratic equations, and you need to be able to handle all four proficiently.

We'll also be having a "surprise" quiz tomorrow with exactly one question. Please make sure to memorize the quadratic formula tonight so you'll be able to get the one question on tomorrow's quiz correct.

Hint: (memorize exactly this - maybe to the tune of Pop Goes the Weasel)

Homework #47: Using the Quadratic Formula worksheet
Solutions: Using the Quadratic Formula answer key

Tuesday 10/29

We learned how to solve quadratic equations today by completing the square with Notes #28.

This is the third different method we've learned to solve quadratic equations (anything that could be written as
ax² + bx + c = 0). You need to be able to handle all three methods proficiently.

Homework #46: Completing the Square worksheet
Solutions: Completing the Square answer key

Monday 10/28

Today we reviewed solving quadratic equations in Notes #28. 

Remember that math is cumulative and builds on itself. It is important that you are able to solve every type of quadratic equation presented today. If Friday's test did not go well . . . here's your shot at redemption.

Homework #45: Solving Quadratic Equations
Solutions: Solving Quadratic Equations key

Friday 10/25

Congratulations! We have now made it through eleven weeks of algebra. We only have seven weeks left in this semester . . .

If you are unhappy with today's report card, you are running out of time to turn it around. A simple step in the right direction is completing this week's extra credit.

Parent's: there's a wealth of information available on this website to help your son or daughter master the concepts taught this semester. Often times something as simple as a homework check on a daily basis from you, or quizzing them at home on Thursday nights before a test, can make a big difference.

Thursday 10/24

Today we worked on the Test 11 Preview worksheet in class. Tomorrow's test will cover everything we've learned in class this week (solving quadratic equations by factoring and solving with square roots). Be sure to study to arrive fully prepared!

  
Homework #44: Finish the Test 11 Preview worksheet
Solutions: Preview sheet solutions

If you're stuck on any of the homework or need help studying, you could always ask The Community.

You'll be able to use the following assignments for tomorrow's notes and homework quiz; please make sure to have them with you and fully ready to go:

Week 11
Openers / Warm-Ups
Notes #25
Notes #26
Notes #27
Assignment #41 (Factoring Review)
Assignment #42 (TB pg. 454)
Assignment #43 (Solving Equations with Square Roots)
Assignment #44 (Test 11 Preview) 

Wednesday 10/23

We continued our pursuit of solving quadratic equations today by solving them using square roots, using Notes #27.

In general, you solve each problem just like a normal linear equation, but use square root to "undo" the square on the variable in step #4. Remember, that quadratic equations will always have two solutions, so make sure you find both of them tonight on your homework.

Homework #43: Solving Equations with Square Roots worksheet
Solutions: Solving Equations with Square Roots answer key

Tuesday 10/22

Today we used Notes #26 to learn how to solve quadratic equations by factoring.

ax² + bx + c = 0

(x + ?)(x + ?)

Remember to factor the quadratic equation first, then use the Zero Product Property (ab = 0) to find the two values that make each set of parenthesis equal to zero. If that last sentence didn't make sense to you, you've got some studying you need to do (the notes and the link above can help).

If you need some help, please pop into The Community and ask around.

Homework #42: TB pg 454 (#1-19, 27-31 odd)
Please check your answers in the back of the book when finished.