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Narayanswamy - Algebra 1

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 7 of Classes: Monday, Oct 7

Dear APEX Families,
 
Here's a summary of classes today and homework assigned for this week:
 
Algebra 1: We focused on two aspects of solving algebraic equations today. First, we discussed the associative property of multiplication and how it may be used to simplify algebraic expressions before solving an equation. Second, we talked about like terms (terms that look the same) and how they may be combined by combining the coefficients of x's.
 
Homework: To be assigned on Wed.
 
Precalculus/Trigonometry: We wrapped up the unit on polynomial functions by playing with graphing calculators and learning how to graph functions, and find zeros and local maximas and minimas. We also started a new unit on rational functions.
 
Homework: To be assigned on Wed.
 
 
Pre-algebra: Students took the 3s multiplication facts quiz. We reviewed how to convert fractions such as 1/2, 1/4 and 1/8 into decimals. Then students learned to add, subtract, multiply and divide decimals.
 
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, hopefully in Nov!
 
Homework: None
 
 
Puzzle Of The Week: 6th Puzzle posted! Solutions are due next Monday. Solution to last week's puzzle will be posted this Friday.
 
 
Thank you!
Mrs. Narayanswamy

Solution to POW#4

Hello Friends,
 
Here're the solutions to the two KenKens that were last week's problem of the week!
 
It was so good to see several students try them. Students who got both KenKens correct are:
 
Jeremiah Davis
Andrew Cunningham
Tegan Chanders
Jerry Sittler
 
Congratulations students!
 
The winner of the raffle this week is: Tegan!! Yay - congratulations Tegan :-) Please stop by to pick a prize.
 
All other students who tried the puzzles, whether they got it completely correct or not, or tried just one of the two, may stop by for a treat. 
 
Thanks!
Mrs. N
 
 
 

Week 6 of Classes: Wed Oct 2

Dear APEX students and parents,
 
Happy Fall! The sun is finally out after some much needed rain. Hope you are enjoying these beautiful warm days with just a bit of chilliness to remind us that summer is ending!
 
Here's a summary of today's classes and the homework assigned for the week:
 
We had a fire drill today. Everything went smoothly! 
 
Algebra 1: We started by playing a couple of rounds of jeopardy to test our skills to solve one-step and two-step equations. If time permits, we will finish the game next week.
 
Students took a short quiz on chapters 1 and 2. We learned to solve algebraic equations with 3 or more operations. We also learned to use the associative property of addition to simplify equations before undoing and solving for the unknown.
 
Homework assigned (see the homework post)
 
 
Precalculus/Trigonometry: We discussed polynomials with zeros of multiplicity more than one and how they impact the functions' graphs. We reviewed complex numbers (along with all other types of numbers) and learned that some polynomial functions can result in zeros that are complex. Students learned to recreate the polynomial given the zeros.
 
Homework assigned (see the homework post)
 
 
Pre-algebra: Students took the 3s multiplication facts quiz. We learned to add, subtract, multiply and divide decimal numbers.
 
Homework assigned (see the homework post)
 
 
Consumer Math: Students worked on the shopping spree activity. If you still have a few items to buy, please complete the activity at home. We will wrap up the activity with a final discussion next week.
 
Homework: None other than what's mentioned above
 
 
Puzzle of the week #45: The 5th puzzle of the week is posted. The answer to the fourth puzzle of the week will be posted on Friday.
 
Any questions or concerns? Please email me or see me in person.
 
Thanks
Mrs. Narayanswamy

Week 6 of Classes: Monday, Sept 30

Dear APEX students and parents,
 
Happy Fall! Hope you are enjoying these beautiful warm days with just a touch of coolness to remind us that summer is ending!
 
Here's a summary of today's classes and the homework assigned for the week:
 
We had a fire drill today. Everything went smoothly! 
 
Algebra 1: Students learned to use order of operations in reverse to solve algebraic equations with two operations (also known as two-step equations).
 
Reminder: An in-class quiz on Wednesday!
Homework to be assigned on Wednesday
 
 
Precalculus/Trigonometry: We reviewed the factor theorem, the reminder theorem and the rational zeros theorem and tried a few problems to reinforce these concepts. We started talking about polynomial functions that have zeros of multiplicity. More about them on Wednesday!
 
Homework  to be assigned on Wednesday
 
 
Pre-algebra: Students took the 10s multiplication facts quiz. We reviewed mixed numbers and how to convert improper fractions to mixed numbers and vice versa. Students learned to multiply and divide fractions as well as fractions and whole numbers. We started a new chapter on decimals and learned that fractions such as 1/2, 1/5, 1/4, and 1/8 can be converted to tens, hundredths and thousandths so they can fit in the place value system.
 
Homework assigned (see the homework post)
 
 
Consumer Math: Students worked on the shopping spree activity. If you still have a few items to buy, please complete the activity at home. We will wrap up the activity with a final discussion next week.
 
Homework: None other than what's mentioned above
 
 
Puzzle of the week #45: The 5th puzzle of the week is posted. The answer to the fourth puzzle of the week will be posted on Friday.
 
Any questions or concerns? Please email me or see me in person.
 
Thanks
Mrs. Narayanswamy

Solution to Puzzle of the week #3

Wow! That was one challenging problem!!
 
Kudos to all the students (and family members!) who tried this one!!
 
Check out the solution. The one student who got the answer right was Jerry Sittler. Congratulations Jerry! Please stop by next week to get your prize.
 
I decided we all need a little break from challenging puzzles. So have fun trying the KenKens. The instructions are given with the puzzles. You need to get both KenKens to enter for the raffle!

Have a great weekend!
Mrs. N

Week 5 of Classes: Wednesday, Sept 25

Dear APEX students and parents,
 
Here's a summary of today's classes and the homework assigned for the week:
 
Algebra 1: We discussed the order of operations in math (PEMDAS) and tried a few problems t reinforce the concept. We also changed a couple of word problems into algebraic equations involving two operations.
Homework assigned (see the homework post)
 
Pre-calculus/Trigonometry: Our main focus today was to work on higher degree polynomials. Students learned about end behaviors and about finding zeros of polynomial functions of higher degree by using factoring techniques, including polynomial division. Students also learned about the factor theorem, the reminder theorem, and the rational zeros theorem.
Homework assigned (see the homework post)
 
 
Pre-algebra: Student took the 10s multiplication facts quiz. Students learned to multiply and divide fractions and whole numbers. We started a new chapter on decimals and student learned to represent certain fractions as tenths, hundredths and thousandths in the place value system.
Homework assigned (see the homework post)
 
Consumer Math: Students worked alone or in teams to use various discounts while shopping online on Costco.com to buy exactly 8 items while keeping within a $1,000 budget.
Homework: assigned (see the homework post)
 
Puzzle of the week #4: The 4th puzzle of the week is posted. The answer to the third puzzle of the week will be shared online on Friday. 
 
Parents, if you have any questions or concerns, please do not hesitate to send me an email. Encourage your students who are taking a high school math class or studying for a standardized test such as SAT or ACT to stop by during math lab for any help they may need.
 
Thanks
Mrs. Narayanswamy

Week 5 of Classes: Monday, Sept 23

Dear APEX students and parents,
 
Here's a summary of today's classes and the homework assigned for the week:
 
Algebra 1: Integers were introduced in one-step algebraic equations.
Homework will be posted on Wed.
 
Pre-calculus/Trig: We continued our discussion of polynomial functions. We explored monomials and the two specific types of graphs we get for them. We also started discussing more complex polynomials of higher degrees.
Homework will be posted on Wed.
 
Pre-algebra: Students took the 5s multiplication facts quiz. We discussed factoring and canceling of fractions as a means to reduce them. Students learned to add and subtract fractions. The concept of lowest common denominators (or least common multiples) was introduced. We briefly talked about changing improper fractions to mixed numbers. More about mixed numbers next week! 
Homework assigned (see the homework post)
 
Consumer Math: We reviewed the concept of unit pricing. Students learned how to use percents in basic ways to compute discount prices. They started a fun online shopping spree activity to test their ability to calculate discounts and spend judicially. 
Homework: assigned (see the homework post)
 
Puzzle of the week #4: The 4th puzzle of the week is posted. The answer to the third puzzle of the week will be shared online on Friday. 
 
Parents, if you have any questions or concerns, please do not hesitate to send me an email. Encourage your students who are taking a high school math class or studying for a standardized test such as SAT or ACT to stop by during math lab for any help they may need.
 
Thanks
Mrs. Narayanswamy

Soluton to 2nd Puzzle of the Week

Solution to last week's puzzle is posted. 
 
It's wonderful to see students trying these challenging puzzles. Several students attempted the 2nd puzzle and three students got the solution right. Great job everybody! The winner of this week's raffle for the correct solution is Andrew Cunningham! Congrats Andrew!
 
If parents or siblings are working with students on solving these puzzles, that is awesome! To make sure that the students are understanding how these problems are getting solved, I want the students submitting the solutions to these puzzles to be able to explain the process to me. Show your work and when you stop by to pick a treat, tell me how you solved it!
 
Enjoy this week's puzzle! See if you can find my ID!!
 
Mrs. N