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Narayanswamy - Pre-Algebra (Section Thur 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: Thursday, Feb 20

Dear APEX Families,
 
Here's the summary of classes today:
 
Geometry: Students learned that medians, altitudes, and perimeters of two similar triangles are also similar. We started a new unit on similarity of right triangles.
 
Homework: To be assigned on Friday
 
 
Algebra 2: We wrapped up the unit on multi-variable, higher exponent expressions and equations by considering how to add and subtract multi-variable rational expressions with exponents and divide using polynomial division. We briefly talked about the next unit on systems of equations. More on that tomorrow!
 
Homework: To be assigned on Friday
 
 
Pre-algebra: We reviewed multiplication of rational expressions. Then we wrapped the chapter on rational expressions by learning to divide, add and subtract such fractions. We started a new chapter on powers and learned the basics of what power means and how scientific notation uses powers.

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 and then we returned the loan to APEX! Yipee!! Good work everybody :-)  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 other than completing any unfinished classwork.
 
 
Problem of the Week #18: 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: Thursday, Feb 13

Dear APEX Families,
 
Please note that next week the school store will be open.
 
Here's the summary of classes today:
 
Geometry: We continued our unit on similar triangles and learned the first shortcut, namely AA Similarity, to prove triangles similar
 
Homework: To be assigned on Friday
 
 
Algebra 2: We continued our unit on multi-variable, higher exponent expressions and equations. Students learned to distribute and factor such expressions.
 
Homework: To be assigned on Friday
 
 
Pre-algebra: Students took a multiplication facts quiz. 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 went over last week's homework. Students were assigned jobs for next week's school store and we decided on a few items to buy for next week. Students then did the calculations for used cars and figured out the down payment and monthly payment for each. Finally, each student had an unexpected event happen to him/her. 
 
Homework: None other than completing any unfinished classwork.
 
 
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: Thursday, Feb 6

Dear APEX Families,
 
Here's the summary of classes today:
 
Geometry: We started a new chapter on similar triangles and discussed two important underlying concepts, namely, ratios and proportions.
 
Homework: To be assigned on Friday
 
 
Algebra 2: Students learned how coordinate geometry uses the distance formula to determine the equations of shapes such as circles. We started a new chapter on equations with three or more variables. We considered a few examples and students learned to solve for one variable in terms of the others.
 
Homework: To be assigned on Friday
 
 
Pre-algebra: We reviewed equations with multiple x terms.  Students also learned to set up equations for word problems related to rate of work and distances. In addition, they were introduced to equations with x's on both sides of the "equal to" sign. 
 
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 students learned to do the calculations for the new car payments. Students also noted the different used cars and their prices. We will do the calculations for the used cars next week.
 
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: Thursday, Jan 30

Dear APEX Families,
 
Here's the summary of classes today:
 
Geometry: We went over a couple of proofs from the last chapter test to help students get a better understanding of proofs involving unequal sides or angles. We continued our chapter on polygons. After reviewing the formulae for number of diagonals and sum of interior angles of any polygons, students found that the sum of all exterior angles of any polygon is always 360 deg.
 
Homework: To be assigned on Friday
 
 
Algebra 2: We used the overhead projector to solve several 2nd degree equations by classifying them into different conic sections, figuring out the shape's salient features and then graphing them. Students were also introduced to hyperbolas, their equations, how they are graphed, as well as some of their uses.
 
Homework: To be assigned on Friday
 
 
Pre-algebra: Student learned to simplify algebraic equations before solving them. We started a new chapter on combining multiple terms with x's.
 
Homework: Assigned (see the homework post)
 
 
Consumer Math: We started working on our 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: None 
 
 
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