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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

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: Thursday, Jan 23

Dear APEX Families,
 
Here's the summary of classes today:
 
Geometry: We wrapped up the chapter on quadrilaterals by discussing rectangles, rhombus and squares and then summarizing the entire chapter.
 
Homework: To be assigned on Friday
 
 
Algebra 2: We did a few word problems to review and reinforce what we had learned last week about parabolas. We also did a few word problems to illustrate how parabolas are often used in real world situations.
 
Homework: To be assigned on Friday
 
 
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: 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. We reviewed the homework that was assigned last week. We then started a new project on Budgeting.
 
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: Thursday, Jan 16

Dear APEX Families,
 
Happy New Year!
 
It was so wonderful to see your students after the winter break today! I am excited for this new semester. I hope it is filled with a joy to learn and grit to work hard and persevere if the going ever gets difficult. APEX teachers are here to go on this educational journey with you and help you succeed!
 
Students in many of 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:
 
Geometry: We reviewed what we had already learned about quadrilaterals, including trapezoids and some properties of parallelograms. We covered the remaining characteristics of parallelograms today.
 
Homework: To be assigned on Friday
 
 
Algebra 2: We wrapped up the chapter on first degree 2-variable equations by discussing slopes of parallel, perpendicular, vertical and horizontal lines. We started a new unit on 2nd degree 2-variable equations. Students learned that there are 4 basic shapes when dealing with such equations and they all fall under the category of conic sections.
 
Homework: To be assigned on Friday
 
 
Pre-algebra: We reviewed integer operations in algebraic equations. 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 were introduced to a simple app named Padlet which allowed them to share their thoughts on a common electronic board. 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 16 of Classes: Thursday, Dec 19

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. We learned to solve algebraic equations containing negative integers.
 
Homework : Assigned (see the homework post)
 
 
Consumer Math: We played jeopardy about taxes, discounts, interests, consumer math vocabulary!
 
Homework: None 
 
Enjoy the holidays and I will see you in January! Happy holidays to all and a Peaceful and Happy New Year!!
 
Thanks
Mrs. Narayanswamy
 

Week 15 of Classes: Thursday, Dec 12

Hello APEX families,
 
Here's the summary of classes today:
 
Geometry: We continued our discussion of quadrilaterals. We learned about trapezoids and a little bit about parallelograms. 
 
See you tomorrow for the finals!
 
Homework: To be posted on Friday
 
 
Algebra 2: We continued our discussion about linear equations. Students learned to distinguish between two forms, namely point slope form and slope intercept form. They also learned about direct and inverse variations.
 
See you tomorrow for the finals!
 
Homework: To be posted on Friday
 
 
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, subtract, multiply and divide integers.
 
Homework and Final Exam: Assigned (see the homework post. Parents, please read the notes for you regarding the finals. Thanks!)
 
Homework: Assigned (see the homework post)
 
 
Consumer Math: Students did a great job selling items at the school store during lunch. In class, we did the accounting for the same. Then, we reviewed simple interest and compound interest and retried some of practice problems from the homework assigned last week so that all students are clear about both types of interests.
 
Homework: None
 
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: Thursday, Dec 5

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:
 
Geometry: Students learned of four different logic statement: An original conditional statement, its converse, inverse and its contrapositive statement. We also started talking about an important theorem regarding unequal sides and unequal angles in triangles. More about it tomorrow!!
 
Homework: To be posted on Friday
 
 
Algebra 2: We reviewed synthetic division. We started a new chapter on first degree two-variable equations. Students learned about representing relations between two quantities using a table or an equation. We learned to solve one variable in terms of another.
 
NOTE: The following problems may be skipped in the extra practice problems assigned before the break (worksheet labeled AA2 Chapter 1 review) - 3) e, g, h, i, j, k; 4 b); 5 a), b); 
 
Homework: To be posted on Friday
 
 
Pre-algebra: Student took the 12s multiplication facts quiz. We reviewed how to algebraic equations with multiplication and division using algebraic symbols we had learned last week for these operations. We also learned to set algebraic equations to solve word problems involving percents, distance, speed and time. We started a new unit on integers and reviewed negative numbers and how to represent them on a number line.
 
Homework: Assigned (see the homework post)
 
 
Consumer Math: Students reviewed the concept of interest when saving money in a bank. We specifically reviewed simple interest and how to compute it using a formula. Students watched 4 short videos about important concepts in saving money, namely, start saving early, invest more, get a higher interest rate, get compound interest rather than simple interest and that higher the return from interest, higher the risk. We briefly talked about investing in stocks and how the concept of higher returns, higher the risks, plays out in the stock market. Students learned the formula for computing compound interest and how it is a better option than simple interest.
 
Homework: Assigned (see the homework post)
 
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