This week will be another week partially interupted by the NECAP exam. The good news is that the next few sections we are covering are really review of Quadratics and Polynomials (and may help you prepare for the NECAP as well).
Tomorrow, we will review different types of factoring and discuss a good common approach to factoring Quadratics and Polynomials and will practice with a fun puzzle activity.
I really need to get a good idea of how well you know the 2.3 - 2.5 material and if you completed this weekends handout, that will give me (and you) and great idea of where you are at.
In fact, as a bonus, if you are reading this tonight and go to my website: http://www.mpsri.net/page.cfm?p=1567 you will find worked out solutions to 2.4 - 2.5 posted under Chapter 2 resources.
If you bring in any evidence that you review this site before class tomorrow, or just simply comment that you checked out this blog tonight, you will earn 5 points extra credit for this Homework. I will try and post another handout on the website tonight too, that give you a better description of how to score yourself.
Good luck on the NECAP and don't forget, you can access many of the released problems from 2007 - 2011 and check your solutions if you do a little poking around on the internet.
Sunday, October 14, 2012
Monday, October 8, 2012
Function Graphing (Ch. 2 week 1)
General - This week we will be our understanding of graphing different types of functions compared to their parent functions, describing those comparisons algebraically and using math vocabulary, and recognizing even and odd functions. We will be using a graphing calculator lesson to understand those connections and you will get some feedback (in fact some sample student work with feedback will be posted on the website after Tuesday’s lesson. The two main text sections this week are 2.2 and 2.1.
3 Key Graphing Process Goals
- Numerically – Recognize and label key feature coordinates (usually 3-5) and show work using a table of values
- Algebraically – Understanding from various forms of given function(s). y = a (x – h)?+k and where it will graph relative to parent function (translate, reflect, dilate, etc.) because of the given coefficients.
- Verbally – Once you see the patterns, you need to build your math vocabulary to describe what is going on with each function
3 Key Products (All due the class after they are assigned)
· Text HW 2.2 70/12-30 show given graphs with key features labeled, draw resulting diagrams using a different color pen. See sample solutions to HW 2.2 on website for guidance about what level of detail is expected to earn a 4 for homework
- Handout 2.2b – Backside of Transformations Handout (after receiving exit slip feedback)
· HW 2.1 61/Practice 1-27,34
Most likely will have a 2.1 – 2.2 quiz after Weds.
Other Comments
If you did poorly on the Ch. 1 Test, you are expected to make corrections to your exam , redo any missed or incomplete Ch. 1 homework and then see Mr. Steppen about a retake exam.
Monday, October 1, 2012
2009 Necap Practice Exam and starting 2.1
Happy Monday Night,
As I mentioned in class today, I am going to start posting a Sunday night post so everyone in my Trigonometry class is expected to check in at least once a week, usually Sunday night after 8 pm is the best time. In fact, if you are reading this right now you should become a follower of the blog and check out to see if there are settings to automatically update you when a new post has been submitted.
Mainly the blog will be a short summary of what we did the previous week and a preview of what is coming up for the week ahead. I will informally monitoring to see who is participating. Many of your upcoming college courses may have an online element, so participating with this is good practice in a different style of communication.
This post is a bonus because I just got a list of who is missing class this week due to the NECAP writing test. The majority of you are not missing Trig. class (lucky you). So the plan is to continue on to Chapter 2 (Section 2.1 - 2.2 Graphing Functions this week.
For my D-period students, you have already been given the task of completing the 2009 Math NECAP released items for homework by Wednesdays class as Homework [20 points]. You can access my website to get that document (see previous blog post for a direct link to website). However, if you want a printed out copy I was able to print out 25 copies today and for the first five D-period students that stop by 225 in the a.m. I can give you a copy. In fact, you will earn extra credit for being the first to read this blog and follow up! For my C-period students, you will receive a copy in class tomorrow.
I will see everyone before the NECAP writing assessment, but in any case good luck! And, by completing the 2009 released Math Items you will be already preparing for the Math NECAP in two weeks. For my few non-11th graders, the questions are good practice and most relate to our class content anyways.
Life is just a circle.
As I mentioned in class today, I am going to start posting a Sunday night post so everyone in my Trigonometry class is expected to check in at least once a week, usually Sunday night after 8 pm is the best time. In fact, if you are reading this right now you should become a follower of the blog and check out to see if there are settings to automatically update you when a new post has been submitted.
Mainly the blog will be a short summary of what we did the previous week and a preview of what is coming up for the week ahead. I will informally monitoring to see who is participating. Many of your upcoming college courses may have an online element, so participating with this is good practice in a different style of communication.
This post is a bonus because I just got a list of who is missing class this week due to the NECAP writing test. The majority of you are not missing Trig. class (lucky you). So the plan is to continue on to Chapter 2 (Section 2.1 - 2.2 Graphing Functions this week.
For my D-period students, you have already been given the task of completing the 2009 Math NECAP released items for homework by Wednesdays class as Homework [20 points]. You can access my website to get that document (see previous blog post for a direct link to website). However, if you want a printed out copy I was able to print out 25 copies today and for the first five D-period students that stop by 225 in the a.m. I can give you a copy. In fact, you will earn extra credit for being the first to read this blog and follow up! For my C-period students, you will receive a copy in class tomorrow.
I will see everyone before the NECAP writing assessment, but in any case good luck! And, by completing the 2009 released Math Items you will be already preparing for the Math NECAP in two weeks. For my few non-11th graders, the questions are good practice and most relate to our class content anyways.
Life is just a circle.
Sunday, September 30, 2012
Thinking Left to Right
A key theme to wrap up Chapter 1 and transition into Chapter 2 (Function Graphing) will be
“Thinking Left to Right”
Just like in English class where we read sentences left to right, in mathematics, we read our graphs left to right and analyze the behavior of a function. As I read a graph left to right: are my outputs increasing, decreasing, or staying constant?
We also want to identify any key features on a graph. Key features may include: any points where the rates of change...change. Usually, we also want to identify important points like what is happening when the input is zero or basically any points that help us analze the graph.
We also want to identify any key features on a graph. Key features may include: any points where the rates of change...change. Usually, we also want to identify important points like what is happening when the input is zero or basically any points that help us analze the graph.
This will make more sense after we review some of the 1.7 problems on Monday. But before that, go to my website and take a look at how some of the class work and solutions look compared to yours. This solutions are posted in the Chapter 1 resource folder.
Don’t forget - You should routinely be developing 3 good habits to help yourself learn:
(1) Attempting and completing all assigned problems daily before the next class
(2) Checking solutions with your classmates and on my website at http://www.mpsri.net/page.cfm?p=1567 (or get there through the MHS website); and
(3) Revising any problems you did not previously understand (use pen if you original was in pencil) after you have seen more sample solutions and talked with your classmates. Use your resources!
When I collect and check homeworks, it would be great to see some misunderstanding initially but then evidence that you learned after your first attempt. That is part of learning!
When I collect and check homeworks, it would be great to see some misunderstanding initially but then evidence that you learned after your first attempt. That is part of learning!
Monday, June 4, 2012
"Final" Post
After school today, I reviewed some parabola graphing problems with a student and made a pretty detailed answer key. It can be found at my website http://www.mpsri.net/page.cfm?p=1567&lastid=1568&do=logoffadmin under Ch. 11 Conic Sections. Anyone who was having trouble with that 11.4 section should take a look. Also, while I was at my website, I went ahead and posted our topic list (green sheet) and a
new and improved list of practice problems (I am not going to print this out for class)
The first student(s) that complete a detailed step-by-step answer key for the problems that were not already in the Senior review practice problem set, may get some extra credit. If the explanation of work is detailed but clear and concise. Most of the problems are the same so it will not be re-assigned.
The final assignment sheet can be found at https://docs.google.com/document/d/1tvfq4BBxxEncYys4J_BF-0NH-Eh9W__D0qRm3Vsv3ow/edit
To be successful on the final, you really need to revisit older topics and make sure you have mastered them.
new and improved list of practice problems (I am not going to print this out for class)
The first student(s) that complete a detailed step-by-step answer key for the problems that were not already in the Senior review practice problem set, may get some extra credit. If the explanation of work is detailed but clear and concise. Most of the problems are the same so it will not be re-assigned.
The final assignment sheet can be found at https://docs.google.com/document/d/1tvfq4BBxxEncYys4J_BF-0NH-Eh9W__D0qRm3Vsv3ow/edit
To be successful on the final, you really need to revisit older topics and make sure you have mastered them.
Sunday, May 20, 2012
Conic Sections
Plan on wrapping up conic sections this week (we will just learn and be assessed through 11.4. Tomorrow (Monday) will focus on Parabolas and the next time we meet will be a review day and then our Chapter 11 test will most likely be Thursday.
For our Seniors, we may begin a little cumulative review early which will benefit everyone. Seniors will be taking their final exams
UPDATE: Here is a link to our revised assignment sheet: https://docs.google.com/document/d/15iD4bZXiOUJeephsJmGyvTlS73NXgyiZWUd7t-R0XW0/edit
Since the Junior Breakfast is not until 8:30 on Thursday, C-period will have the Ch.4 Test during 1st period on Thursday (not Friday). A little pre-breakfast appetizer.
For our Seniors, we may begin a little cumulative review early which will benefit everyone. Seniors will be taking their final exams
UPDATE: Here is a link to our revised assignment sheet: https://docs.google.com/document/d/15iD4bZXiOUJeephsJmGyvTlS73NXgyiZWUd7t-R0XW0/edit
Since the Junior Breakfast is not until 8:30 on Thursday, C-period will have the Ch.4 Test during 1st period on Thursday (not Friday). A little pre-breakfast appetizer.
Tuesday, May 1, 2012
Khan Academy to Review Partial Fractions
A quick update to link you to our end of chapter homework assignments to prepare for the Chapter 7 test at the end of this week.
Clink on this link https://docs.google.com/document/d/1WNKIqELmfW3jCc7zAD4-3YVPlSjtYpfYp2EpHph9pYc/edit to see our last couple of assignments if you want to start preparing for the test.
Basically, you need to wrap up 7.7 (Square Root Functions), practice a few more partial fractions 7.8b, and then do a mixed set of review problems I named 7R for Review.
One final note. Viewing the second and third partial fraction videos on http://www.khanacademy.org/ is very helpful for section 7.8. The third video corresponds to problems 379/#15-16 with the repeated factor in the denominator. If you go to Khan Academy just search "Partial Fraction" and view the second and third videos. It takes a while, but is worth it. (I even earned a good listener badge).
With all the color coding, it is much easier to follow than the book examples.
Lots of learning takes place outside of class. Learn to find and use good resources.
Clink on this link https://docs.google.com/document/d/1WNKIqELmfW3jCc7zAD4-3YVPlSjtYpfYp2EpHph9pYc/edit to see our last couple of assignments if you want to start preparing for the test.
Basically, you need to wrap up 7.7 (Square Root Functions), practice a few more partial fractions 7.8b, and then do a mixed set of review problems I named 7R for Review.
One final note. Viewing the second and third partial fraction videos on http://www.khanacademy.org/ is very helpful for section 7.8. The third video corresponds to problems 379/#15-16 with the repeated factor in the denominator. If you go to Khan Academy just search "Partial Fraction" and view the second and third videos. It takes a while, but is worth it. (I even earned a good listener badge).
With all the color coding, it is much easier to follow than the book examples.
Lots of learning takes place outside of class. Learn to find and use good resources.
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