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Narayanswamy - Algebra 1

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


Assignment Calendar

Course Description

 

Class Title:

Algebra 1

Code:

HMA130

Text:

Teaching Textbooks Algebra

Rating:

5

Prerequisite:

Completion of Pre-Algebra with a grade of C or better or placement test

Grade:

8-10

Fees:

None

Max:

15

Can be repeated? No

Description: Students will complete all of Algebra I through home assignments four days per week and one class period per week. Students will understand patterns, relations and functions. They will learn to represent and analyze mathematical situations and structures using algebraic symbols. Students will solve for unknowns in varied situations, use graphing to represent mathematical systems, and compute fluently with number systems. Students will use the language of mathematics to express mathematical ideas precisely. 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 10 Of Classes: Monday, Oct 28

Hello APEX families,
 
We had a shorter day of school due to the weather. Thanks to all who were able to make it. Here's a summary of classes:
 
Algebra 1: No classes. See you Wednesday
Homework: To be assigned on Wed.
 
Precalculus/Trig: We did several problems from homework that students had questions about.
Homework: To be assigned on Wed.
 
Pre-algebra: Student took the 6s multiplication facts quiz. We wrapped up the unit on percents by considering techniques to determine the percent when a ratio/fraction is given. We tied this concept to how grades are determined by teachers in terms of percents. We started a new unit on measurements. We discussed different units of length in the English/Common system such as inches, feet, yards and miles and how to convert from one to the other using dimensional analysis and a unit conversion table.
 
Homework: Assigned (see the homework post)
 
Consumer Math: We decided on a school store name. Students voted on the name "Little Market." Students worked on posters to advertise their school store.
NOTE: Students, remember to come in to my room next week as soon as the recess bell rings at 11:30. You will be conducting the middle school student survey for the school store. Thanks!
Homework: Assigned (see the homework post)
 
Puzzle Of The Week: 9th Puzzle posted! Solutions are due next Monday. Solution to last week's puzzle will be posted on Friday.
 
Thanks
Mrs. Narayanswamy

Solution to Puzzle Of The Week #7

Hello APEX friends,
 
Here's the solution to last week's puzzle, Puzzle# 7! The solution to the problem is 3!!
 
Check out the file to see details of how the problem was solved
 
A few students attempted the puzzle and Owen Weekley got it right! Good job everyone for trying. Stop by to get a treat.  Congratulations, Owen, for getting it right!! Stop by to pick a prize.

Week 9 of Classes: Wednesday, Oct 23

Dear Apex Families,
 
Here's the summary of classes and homework assigned for this week:
 
Algebra 1: We solved problems involving x's in fractions. Students learned to  extract x's from from fractions so they may be combined with other x terms. 
 
Homework: Assigned (see the homework post)
 
 
Precalcalus/Trig: We wrapped up the chapter on rational functions by solving rational equations both algebraically and using a graphing calculator. We started a new chapter on exponential functions.
 
Homework: Assigned (see the homework post)
 
 
Pre-algebra: Student took the 6s multiplication facts quiz. We wrapped up the unit on percents by considering techniques to determine the percent when a ratio/fraction is given. We tied this concept to how grades are determined by teachers in terms of percents. We started a new unit on measurements. We discussed different units of length in the imperial system such as inches, feet, yards and miles and how to convert from one to the other.
 
Homework: Assigned (see the homework post)
 
 
Consumer Math: Students came in during recess to conduct survey for the elementary and high school students. We put this data into our Google sheet during the class. Students voted on a good name for their school store and decided on an awesome one - Wolf Pack Snack Shack!  Students continued their activity on coupons to save money as they planned a meal for their family. They will complete it next week.
 
Homework: None
 
 
Puzzle Of The Week: 8th Puzzle posted! Solutions are due next Wednesday. Solution to last week's puzzle will be posted on Friday.
 
Thanks!
Mrs. Narayanswamy

Week 9 of Classes: Monday, Oct 21

Dear Apex Families,
 
Here's the summary of classes and homework assigned for this week:
 
Algebra 1: We continued discussing problems involving distributive property. Students learned to set up equations for word problems involving a little more complex distance problems. They also learned to solved equations with nested grouping symbols such as parentheses, brackets and braces.
 
Homework: Will be assigned on Wed
 
 
Precalcalus/Trig: Students learned to set up equations for rational functions by observing and analyzing the graphs for these functions.
 
Homework: Will be assigned on Wed
 
 
Pre-algebra: Students took the 0s-5s multiplication facts quiz. We focused on percents again. We considered percents of different types of numbers and also different types of percents such as fractional percents and decimal percents. We specifically considered how percents are used in banking and talked about compound interest (finding interest on the principal amount as well as the interest already paid by the bank). In addition, we discussed briefly about how to set up fractions in word problems in order to determine the percent of something. 
 
 
Homework: Assigned (see the homework post)
 
 
Consumer Math: Students came in during recess to conduct survey for the elementatry grade students. We put this data into our Google sheet during the class. Students completed their activity on coupons to save money as they planned a meal for their family. We took the last few minutes for students to think of and write down 3 possible names for their school store.
 
Homework: If you were absent or did not complete this work during class time, please come up with three interesting and fun school store names. Bring them into the class next week.
 
 
Puzzle Of The Week: 8th Puzzle posted! Solutions are due next Monday. Solution to last week's puzzle will be posted on Friday.
 
Thanks!
Mrs. Narayanswamy

Solution to POW 6 and winners for POW5 and POW6

Hello Puzzlers!!
 
Here's the solution to last week's puzzle, Puzzle 6! The solution to the problem is 73!!
 
73 is a prime number and so is the number 37 which is 73 flipped over. The difference between the numbers, 73 - 37, is 36. 36 is a perfect square (6 x 6).
 
The following students got the answer right for puzzle 6:
 
Nico Stone
Kian Stone
Cole Sulouff
Jake LaCrosse
Andrew Cunningham
Quinn Kimmett
Owen Weekley
Zoe Breedlove
Emily Sarris
 
Wonderful job everyone and congratulations! The winner of the raffle this week is Zoe Breedlove!! Yay Zoe :-) Zoe, stop by to pick up a prize next week. Rest of the participants including those who might not have gotten the answer (I am so glad you tried so hard) should come by for a treat.
 
Last week, we had some missing names on the submissions for the puzzle about what languages different delegates know. Those got resolved this week. So here's the result for who won the raffle.
 
The following students got the right solution:
 
Kaelyn LaWall
Zoe Breedlove
Jerry Sittler
Owen Weekley
 
Congratulations everyone! The winner of the raffle for this puzzle was Owen Weekley! Please stop by for your prize and everyone else who tried this puzzle (whether you got the correct solution or not), please stop by for a treat!
 
Till next week.... enjoy your weekend :-)
 
Mrs. Narayanswamy

Week 8 of Classes: Wednesday Oct 16

Dear Apex Families,
 
Here's the summary of classes and homework assigned for this week:
 
Algebra 1: We practiced solving several algebraic problems involving multiplication of several numbers including fractions and addition/subtraction of numbers in an algebraic equation. We then focused on learning more about the distributive property and using the property appropriately to solve longer algebraic equations.
 
Homework:  Assigned (see the homework post)
 
 
Precalcalus/Trig: We learned to draw a graph for rational functions by analyzing the function and determining it's intercepts, asymptotes and symmetry. We also learned that we need to watch out for rational functions that can be reduced but the denominators still have an impact on the graph, although not necessarily in the form of asymptotes.
 
Homework:  Assigned (see the homework post)
 
 
Pre-algebra: Students took the 0s-5s multiplication facts quiz. We focused on percents of various types of numbers. We also considered percents of different types such as fractional percents and decimal percents. We specifically considered how percents are used in banking and talked about compound interest (finding interest on the principal amount as well as the interest already paid by the bank).
 
Homework: Assigned (see the homework post)
 
 
Consumer Math: Students short-listed the items they want to sell and entered the information into a survey that they plan to give next week to the APEX student body. We started a short new activity about using coupons to save money by using grocery flyers to buy ingredients and cook a meal for the family within a limited budget.
 
Homework: Think of 3 possible names for your school store and write them down. Bring the list to class next week to share with your peers.
 
 
Puzzle Of The Week: 7th Puzzle posted! Solutions are due next Wednesday. Solution to last week's puzzle will be posted on Friday.
 
Have a great weekend!
Mrs. Narayanswamy

Week 8 of Classes: Monday Oct 14

Dear Apex Families,
 
Here's the summary of classes and homework assigned for this week:
 
Algebra 1: Students learned to solve algebraic problems involving two unknowns using a single variable. We started a new chapter on various techniques to solve algebraic equations. Our focus today was using the distributive property to extract an x from inside a parentheses so that it may combined with x's outside the parentheses.
 
Homework: Will be assigned on Wed
 
 
Precalcalus/Trig: Students learned to solve algebraic problems involving two unknowns using a single variable. We started a new chapter on various techniques to solve algebraic equations. Our focus today was using the distributive property to extract an x from inside a parentheses so that it may combined with x's outside the parentheses.
 
Homework: Will be assigned on Wed
 
 
Pre-algebra: Students took the 4s multiplication facts quiz. We wrapped up the unit on decimals by learning to convert remainders from a division problem into decimals, convert fractions to decimals using division, and getting introduced to non-terminating, repeating decimals. We also started a new unit on percents.
 
Homework: Assigned (see the homework post)
 
 
Consumer Math: Students short-listed the items they want to sell and entered the information into a survey that they plan to give next week to the APEX student body. We started a short new activity about using coupons to save money by using grocery flyers to buy ingredients and cook a meal for the family within a limited budget.
 
Homework: None
 
 
Puzzle Of The Week: 7th Puzzle posted! Solutions are due next Monday. Solution to last week's puzzle will be posted on Friday.
 
Have a great weekend!
Mrs. Narayanswamy

Solution to POW#5

Hello Friends,
 
Here's the solution to last week's puzzle! We have had several students get this puzzle right. Congratulations, everyone!
 
Unfortunately, few of the students forgot to write their names on their sheets. Please stop by to check if you are one of them! To make sure that everyone gets an opportunity to win the raffle, I will do the raffle as soon as I have the names of the students who forgot to put their names on their solutions!
 
Till then.... enjoy the weekend and see you next week :-)
 
Mrs. Narayanswamy

Week 7 of Classes

Dear APEX Families,
 
Here's a summary of classes today and homework assigned for this week:
 
Algebra 1: We continued our discussion of combining like terms. Students learned that rate of work can be whole numbers or fractions and that can impact the coefficients of like terms being combined. We also solved a few word problems involving like terms.
 
Homework: Assigned (see the homework post)
 
Precalculus/Trigonometry: We went over a few homework problems. Then continued our unit on rational functions. We discussed vertical asymptotes and started talking about horizontal and slant asymptotes.
 
Homework: Assigned (see the homework post)
 
 
Pre-algebra: Students took the 4s multiplication facts quiz. We wrapped up the unit on decimals by learning to change remainder of a division problem to decimal values, converting fractions to decimals by dividing, and got introduced to non-terminating, repeating decimals. We started a new unit on percents.
 
Homework: Assigned (see the homework post)
 
 
Consumer Math: We wrapped up our activity of shopping spree. We started our discussion of setting a school store by brainstorming the different items we want to sell.
 
Homework: None
 
 
Puzzle Of The Week: 6th Puzzle posted! Solutions are due next Wednesday. Solution to last week's puzzle will be posted this Friday.
 
Stay warm :-)
Mrs. Narayanswamy