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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

Solution to Puzzle Of The Week #13

Hello Friends,
 
The solutions to last week's 2020 puzzles are attached.
 
One enthusiastic student, Owen Weekly, submitted his solutions and got them all right! Excellent work, Owen!!
 
Stop by my classroom to get your prize :-)
 
Everyone, have a great weekend!
 
Thanks
Usha Narayanswamy
 
 
 
 

Week 18 of Classes: Monday, Jan 20

Dear APEX Families,
 
Here's the summary of classes today:
 
Algebra 1: Students learned to write big numbers in scientific notation. We discussed the order of operations when powers are part of a mathematical expressions. We also learned to combine like terms involving x's with higher exponents.
 
Homework: To be assigned on Wednesday
 
 
Precalculus/Trig: We started our discussion of trig functions. Students worked on the initial part of the unit circle. More on Wednesday!
 
Homework: To be assigned on Wednesday
 
 
Pre-algebra: Students learned how to process algebraic equations involving negative signs in front of x's. We started a new chapter on algebraic equations with more than one operations. We reviewed the order of operations (aka PEMDAS).
 
Homework: Assigned (see the homework post)
 
 
Consumer Math: Students set up the school store during lunch and did a good job selling different items to our students. During class, we did the accounting for the school store and decided on jobs and items to get for the next school store day. We then started a new project on Budgeting in our lives.
 
Homework: None. Make sure to submit last week's homework if you haven't already done so.
 
Problem of the Week #14: Problem of the Week #14 is posted today. Answers for last week's problems (POW #13) will be posted this Friday.
 
Thanks
Mrs. Narayanswamy

Week 17 of Classes: Monday, Jan 13

Dear APEX Families,
 
Happy New Year!
 
It was so wonderful to see your students after the winter break today! I am excited for this winter semester. I hope it is filled with a joy to learn and grit to work hard and persevere if the going gets hard. APEX teachers are here to go on this educational journey with you and help you succeed!
 
Students in all the academic math classes took home a sheet of class expectations, policies and reminders. There is nothing in new on this sheet, just reminders of how the class works. Parents and students, please take the time to read and discuss the policies and expectations and sign and date the sheet. It is due next week.
 
Note: School store will be open next week for business! Please come and shop with us :-)
 
Here's the summary of classes today:
 
Algebra 1: We reviewed solving simple rational equations and learned to solve more complex equations involving several fractional expressions.
 
Homework: To be assigned on Wednesday
 
 
Precalculus/Trig: We went over some of the problems in last semester's final exam. In addition, students learned to solve right triangles using Trig and Pythagorean Theorem. They were introduced to two special right triangles, namely, 45-45-90 deg triangles and 30-60-90 deg triangles. 
 
Homework: To be assigned on Wednesday
 
 
Pre-algebra: We reviewed integer addition and subtraction extensively before learning the rules for integer multiplication and division. Integers were introduced in simple one-step algebraic equations.
 
Homework: Assigned (see the homework post)
 
 
Consumer Math: Students learned to write checks, enter transactions in check registers and reconcile transaction registers.
 
Homework: Assigned (see the homework post). Hard copy sent home.
 
Problem of the Week #13: It's a new year! Enjoy solving some 2020 puzzles this week from MathCounts!
 
Thanks
Mrs. Narayanswamy

Week 15 of Classes: Monday, Dec 16

Hello APEX students and families,
 
We had a short day of classes today. Students had a good time enjoying the holiday party and end of semester performances. Pre-algebra students, you have a week's worth of homework during the break. Complete it soon and then you can relax and enjoy the rest of your break. 
 
Here's a summary of classes for today:
 
Pre-algebra: We continued our unit on integers. Students shared a few real-world examples of when negative numbers are used. We learned rules to add, and subtract integers.
 
Homework : Assigned (see the homework post)
 
 
Consumer Math: We played jeopardy about taxes, discounts, interests, consumer math vocab!
 
Homework: None (unless you have promised to send me homework that was due today!)
 
Enjoy the holidays and I will see you in January! Happy holidays and a Wonderful New Year!!
 
Thanks
Mrs. Narayanswamy
 
 
 

Week 15 of Classes: Monday, Dec 9

Hello APEX families,
 
Here's the summary of classes today:
 
Algebra 1: We learned to solve a few rational equations with x's in the denominator.
 
Remember to bring your 3"x5" notecard on Wednesday to take your finals. Also, remember to bring the last homework for this semester! Please be on time so you get the entire period to complete your finals. Bring sharpened pencils. Blank papers and calculators will be provided.
 
Homework: To be assigned on Wednesday
 
 
Precalculus/Trig: We started a new chapter on trigonometry. Students learned the 6 basic trig ratios, namely sin, cos, tan, cot, csc, and sec. We solved a few problems related to these ratios.
 
Remember to bring your 3"x5" notecard on Wednesday to take your finals. Also, remember to bring the last homework for this semester! Please be on time so you get the entire period to complete your finals. Bring sharpened pencils and your graphing calculator. Blank papers and calculators (if you didn't bring yours) will be provided.
 
Homework: To be assigned on Wednesday
 
 
Pre-algebra: Students learned the alternate symbols to multiplication and division. We solved algebraic equations with these operations the algebra way. Students learned to solve percent and distance problems algebraically. We started a new chapter on integers and briefly talked about what negative are.
 
Homework and Final Exam: Assigned (see the homework post. Parents, please read the notes for you regarding the finals. Thanks!)
 
 
Consumer Math: Students did a great job selling items at the school store during lunch. In class, we did the accounting. Then, we reviewed simple interest and compound interest and how the latter is a much better option for consumers saving money compared to the former.
 
Homework: Assigned (see the homework post). Hard copy sent home.
 
Thanks
Mrs. Narayanswamy

Solution to Puzzle Of The Week #12

Hello Apex Students,
 
The solution to the 12th puzzle is attached. Unfortunately no one got the solution right. We will try a few other statistical puzzles next year to get a chance to explore this area of math more.
 
Students who submitted a solution, good job trying! Please stop by for a treat :-)
 
Have a great weekend!
 
Mrs. Narayanswamy

Week 14 of Classes: Monday Dec 2

Hello APEX families,
 
Hope you had a wonderful Thanksgiving and got some time to relax and rejuvenate!
 
We are now in the last leg of this semester and very busy completing content in several subject areas.
 
Please note that next week our school store will be open during lunch break. So, please remember to bring some money if you would like to shop with us.
 
Here's the summary of classes today:
 
Algebra 1: We reviewed fractional expressions and then learned to multiply and divide them.
 
Homework: To be assigned on Wednesday
 
 
Precalculus/Trig: We wrapped up our unit on power functions by solving power equations and considering practical applications of such functions in science. Students also learned the concept of direct and inverse variations.
 
Homework: To be assigned on Wednesday
 
 
Pre-algebra: We discussed the difference between algebra ad arithmetic and learned to write simple algebraic equations for word problems. Student learned two important concepts in algebra - the process of undoing a number by using inverse operations and the Golden Rule of Algebra. 
 
Homework: Assigned (see the homework post)
 
 
Consumer Math: We reviewed simple interest. Students watched 4 short videos about important concepts in saving money. Students learned about compound interest and how it is better at making our money grow than simple interest.
 
Homework: None
 
Puzzle Of The Week: We are taking a break from solving puzzles as all secondary math classes are getting busy preparing for final exams next week. Look forward to solving more puzzles in the new year!
 
Thanks
Mrs. Narayanswamy