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Narayanswamy - Pre-Algebra (Section Mon 5)

Instructor
Mrs. Usha Narayanswamy
Department
Mathematics
Terms
2019-2020 School Year


Assignment Calendar

Course Description

 

Class Title:

Pre-Algebra

Code:

MMA120

Text:

Teaching Textbooks Pre-Algebra

Rating:

5

Prerequisite:

Placement Test

Grade:

7-8

Fees:

None

Max:

15

Can be repeated? No

Description: Students will complete all of Pre-Algebra through home assignments four days per week and one class period per week. Students will study numbers and operations, relationships among numbers, and number systems. They will understand the meanings of different operations and how they relate to each other and will learn to compute more fluently. Students will be introduced to algebra concepts and solving for unknowns. Basics of geometry will be introduced, including different types of polygons and polyhedrons, and students will learn to compute perimeter, area, and volume for various shapes. In addition, concepts of relations and functions, as well as statistics and probability, will be covered. Upon completion of this course, students will be prepared to study Algebra I. Students will receive a textbook, answer key and set of computer CDs with step-by-step solutions. The Teaching Textbooks program uses a review method to ensure retention. Parents will be expected to work with their student daily at home on classroom assignments.

Posts

Week 22 of Classes: Monday, Feb 17

Hello APEX Families,
 
Here's the summary of classes today:
 
Algebra 1: We reviewed different ways of solving quadratic equations that we had covered last week. Students learned two new techniques, namely advanced reverse distribution and completing the square.
 
Homework: To be assigned on Wednesday
 
 
Precalculus/Trig: We started a new unit on trig identities. Students learned the reciprocal, quotient, co-function, and pythagorean identities.
 
Homework: To be assigned on Wednesday
 
 
Pre-algebra: We reviewed the last few lessons related to like terms with x's and equations with x's on both sides of the "equal to" sign. We started a new chapter on rational expressions. Students learned to simplify fractions with x's. We also went over a problem involving multiplication of such rational expressions.
 
Homework: Assigned (see the homework post)
 
 
Consumer Math: We did the accounting for our school store today. Students wrote a thank you note to APEX for giving us the seed money to start the school store. We then returned the loan along with our thank yous! Students worked on the grocery list for their simulated adult life.
 
Homework: Work on your grocery list. We will have some class time next week to complete it before we go online to shop for the items.
 
 
Problem of the Week #17: Problem of the Week #18 is posted today. Answers for last week's problems (POW #17) will be posted this Friday.
 
Thanks
Mrs. Narayanswamy

Solution to Puzzle Of The Week #16

Hello APEX Math Lovers,
 
Please find attached the solutions to last week's 2 puzzles.
 
The one and only awesome problem solver for this week was MICAH HEINS from Thursday Pre-algebra class! And he solved both puzzles correctly!! Wonderful job Micah - Congratulations :-) Remember to come by and pick your prize next week.
 
Thank you
 
Mrs. N

Week 21 of Classes: Monday Feb 10

Hello APEX Families,
 
Here's the summary of classes today:
 
Algebra 1: We reviewed different types of numbers and how irrational numbers can be estimated. Students learned about the Pythagorean Theorem. We started a new chapter on quadratic equations and solved simple quadratic equations with 2 solutions.
 
Homework: To be assigned on Wednesday
 
 
Precalculus/Trig: We discussed inverses of trig functions.
 
Homework: To be assigned on Wednesday
 
 
Pre-algebra: Students learned to set up algebraic equations for special types of distance problems. We solved equations with x's on both sides of the "equal to" sign and set up similar equations for word problems.

Homework: Assigned (see the homework post)
 
 
Consumer Math: We went over last week's homework. Students decided on jobs for next week's school store and also decided on items to buy for sales next week. They each had an unexpected event happen to them. They focused the last part of their class time on setting up menu plans for their simulated family.
 
Homework: None
 
 
Problem of the Week #17: Problem of the Week #17 is posted today. Answers for last week's problems (POW #16) will be posted this Friday.
 
Thanks
Mrs. Narayanswamy

Solution to Puzzles Of The Week #15

Hello APEX families,
 
Please find attached the solutions to last week's 2 puzzles.
 
The mathematician of the week, Owen Weekley, tried both and got them right! He and his dad used several algebraic relations to solve the 2nd puzzle! Great work Owen :-) Check out the solutions in the file to see how the 2nd puzzle can be solved backwards. Stop by next week to get the prize you have earned!
 
Happy weekend everyone! Stay warm :-)
 
Usha Narayanswamy
 
 

Week 20 of Classes: Monday, Feb 3rd

Hello APEX Families,
 
Here's the summary of classes today:
 
Algebra 1: We wrapped up the chapter on powers by learning to add, subtract, multiply and divide rational expressions with powers. We started a new chapter on roots and learned the basics of what roots mean.
 
Homework: To be assigned on Wednesday
 
 
Precalculus/Trig: We wrapped up the lesson on transformation of sinusoidal functions. Students also learned to draw graphs from the sinusoidal equations and write equations, if given the graphs.
 
Homework: To be assigned on Wednesday
 
 
Pre-algebra: Student learned to simplify algebraic equations before solving them. We started a new chapter on combining multiple terms with x's.  Students also learned to set up equations for word problems related to rate of work.
 
Homework: Assigned (see the homework post)
 
 
Consumer Math: Students did a great job, as always, selling different items at the school store. During class, we did the accounting for the store and then went over the homework related to finding down payments and monthly payments for new cars. Students noted the different used cars and their prices and we did a few calculations together to find the down payments and monthly payments for some of them
 
Homework: Assigned (see the homework post)
 
 
Problem of the Week #16: Problem of the Week #16 is posted today. Answers for last week's problems (POW #15) will be posted this Friday.
 
Thanks
Mrs. Narayanswamy

Solution to Puzzle Of The Week #14

Hello APEX families,
 
My apologies for posting the solutions to the logic puzzles a couple of days late!
 
Please check the attached file for the solutions.
 
The following students tried one or both the puzzles:
 
Alexa Schehrer 
James Schmeisser 
Owen Weekley
Quinn Kimmett
 
They ALL got any completed puzzles correct! Yay!! Kudos to them!!!
 
James Schmeisser won the raffle :-)  James, please stop by to pick a prize! Everyone else, stop by for a small treat! 
 
Thank you, as always, for trying these puzzles. Hope you had fun!
 
Usha Narayanswamy
 
 

Week 19 of Classes: Monday, Jan 27

Dear APEX Families,
 
Here's the summary of classes today:
 
Algebra 1: Students learned to do advanced distribution of terms containing exponents. They also learned to divide powers. Finally, we discussed how tiny numbers can be converted to scientific notation just as big numbers are.
 
Homework: To be assigned on Wednesday
 
 
Precalculus/Trig: We reviewed the concept of radians and learned to convert degree to radians. Students also learned to find lengths of arcs and linear speeds from angular speeds.
 
Homework: To be assigned on Wednesday
 
 
Pre-algebra: Students learned to write equations with multiple operations from words. They needed to pay attention to the order of operations in order to do so. They also learned to solve simple 2-step algebraic equations by undoing operations in reverse order of operations (SADMEP is a good mnemonic to remember this principle).
 
Homework: Assigned (see the homework post)
 
 
Consumer Math: We went over the homework related to reconciling transaction registers so that students can confirm if they did it  accurately. We started a new project on budgeting. Students got to pick their job, family scenario, their children's ages and their needs if applicable and an initial bank balance. They also noted all the possible new cars they can consider buying if they can afford it!
 
Homework: Assigned (see the homework post)
 
 
Problem of the Week #15: Problem of the Week #15 is posted today. Answers for last week's problems (POW #14) will be posted this Friday.
 
Thanks
Mrs. Narayanswamy