Math Newsletter
Dear Parents/Guardians,
MAP testing is winding down this week and overall I'm pleased with the scores. Please discuss your child's progress with him/her; they know their scores immediately upon completion of the test. Extra credit for 7th graders-magic squares with fractios is due next week Tuesday (since we have off on Monday). The extra credit for the 8th graders is due, as usual, on Friday by 2:20. I encourage everyone to attempt the extra credit. It requires critical thinking skills, sometimes reviews current or past topics, and is an opportunity to boost the overall math grade.
Period 1-7th Regular
Last week....we reviewed LCM methods to apply LCM to get common denominators so we could add or subtract fractions. This week...we will continue a review of fraction computation, by discussing how to multiply fractions including canceling and how to divide frations. Special emphasis will be placed upon checking answers to make sure they are reasonable. Next week...we will discuss complex fractions and multiple-step operations with fractions. A test is anticipate on Wednesday 1/18/12.
Period 2-8th Regular
Last week…we discussed how to manipulate literal equations to get a specific variable alone. In doing so, we reviewed various formulas such as slope-intercept form y=mx+b. This week...we will discuss how to put linear equations into PROPER slope-intercept form. We will also begin our discussions of how to graph these linear equations. This week we will examine the "table of values" method. Next week...we will focus on slope. we will discuss what the "m" in the equation means & what visula information we can gleen from it. Then we will discuss other ways to graph linear equations such as by using the y-intercept & slope.
Period 3-8th Advanced
Last week… we reviewed linear equations in slope-intercept form. We stressed the PROPER slope-intercept form. This week...we will discuss how to graph linear equations using table of values. Then we will analyze the meaning of slope & y-intercept in order to use those to graph linear equations. Next week…we will finalize methods to graphing linear equations including x & y intercepts, and point-slope form. A test is anticpated on Thursday of next week.
Period 4-7th Advanced
Last week… We discussed how to utilize the calculator when dealing with fractions. Then we began our perentages unit by reviewing how to translate verbal sentences into algebraic ones involving percent. We also discussed the savings garnered by purchasing items in a county with a lower tax rate. This week...we will discuss tips and sales. We will "go out to eat" to Olive Garden, and "shopping" at Kohls. We will also begin discussions of how to calculate tips & discounts mentally, as is more realistic. PLEASE NOTE: An additional extra credit opportunity has been given to students to caluclate tip if your family goes out to dinner/lunch this week. It is NOT mandatory! Next week…we will continue our discussions of percentage applications extending to calculating commissions, deductions, simple interest, and rates of change. Pop oral quizzes will be given on finding tips and sale prices using mental math skills. A store project completed in groups will also be assigned this week. All information will be detailed in your child's notes, which is more effective than a simple handout which students say gets thrown out or lost almost immediately. Please inquire about this project, it will be math based but also allow for creativity. Any questions feel free to email me as well. The final test for this unit will not occur for another week & since it will cover a copious amount of information, it will be a two-part test. More details will follow once I see how students are absorbing the material, some of which is contained in their textbooks in Chapter 7.
Have a nice week.
Dr. Brown