Math Class

Grade 8 STAAR test information

2012-02-03T12:31:00.000-08:00

As you may know our students will take the grade 8 STAAR test on Monday, March 26. A break down of the topics to be covered on the STAAR test may be found below. Also, the example questions that TEA released may be found here. Please also note that additional resources that the students may use are Reflex Math (To practice some basic skills that sometimes prevent some students from successfully completing math problems) and Measuring up. They may see me for their reflex math log in if they don't already know it. The Measuring up log in may be filled in as following. If the students real name were "John Smith" their log in is "JOHNSMITH" and their password is their student id number.

Open publication - Free publishing - More math

Studying is required

2012-02-03T11:01:00.000-08:00

Please remember that the study log will be counted as a grade. Remember that studying is required and fundamental to success in math. Also homework does not count as studying. Studying is additional work done for the purpose of understanding the underlying principles behind the concepts being taught. recall that you were given a study log to help both you and your parents keep track of how much, how often, and what you study. If you misplaced it you may print a copy here.

Project

2012-01-25T14:24:00.000-08:00

The purpose of this assignment is to review some of the topics covered first semester. The rubric is posted below.

Open publication - Free publishing - More barrett

New homework calendar

2011-10-13T07:59:00.000-07:00

I have posted the new homework calendar below. If you do not have the textbook yet you may access it through this link.

Open publication - Free publishing - More math

Multiple representations of scenarios

2011-09-01T14:11:00.000-07:00

Today we generated multiple descriptions (verbal, equation, graph, and table) of a real world scenario. The homework for tonight was to create a verbal, equation, table, and graph description for the following scenario: "To fix a car, Joe’s Garage charges a base fee of $25 and $40 per hour "

Writing equations

2011-08-25T14:02:00.000-07:00

Today we wrote equations from problem situations by analyzing the key words and ideas in them. We ended with the following homework assignment : "Wade's small bathtub will hold 15 gallons of water. If the tub drains at a constant rate of 3.5 gallons per minute, write an equation that can be used to find g, the number of gallons of water in the bathtub after 2 minutes."

Another good project

2011-03-24T13:00:00.000-07:00

I wanted to share this student example. I thought it was well done. This student had some typos, but they will fix it and I will show the corrected version.

GoAnimate4Schools.com: remind me why i hire you by KC

Like it? Create your own at GoAnimate4Schools. It's free and fun!

GoAnimate4Schools.com: remind me why i hired you PART 2 by KC

Like it? Create your own at GoAnimate4Schools. It's free and fun!

GoAnimate4Schools.com: remind me why i hired you PART 3 by KC

Like it? Create your own at GoAnimate4Schools. It's free and fun!

Projects

2011-03-23T14:22:00.000-07:00

Class projects were due Monday. Some of the projects were really interesting. Particularly some of the animations. It was nice to see the amount of effort that was put into these projects.
This is an example. However, there is a mistake. 10^4 should be 10^2.
GoAnimate4Schools.com: scientific notation by H C

Like it? Create your own at GoAnimate4Schools. It's free and fun!

This is an algebra example:

GoAnimate4Schools.com: linear equations by T G

Like it? Create your own at GoAnimate4Schools. It's free and fun!

Scale factor

2010-12-17T06:51:00.000-08:00

I had to repost this video because it did not appear correctly in a previous post.

If the video still does not play then it is viewable here: Scale factor

The district assessment is tomorrow

2010-11-09T14:38:00.000-08:00

Click below to see the answers to the review we did today in class.

Open publication - Free publishing - More rational

rational number examples part2

2010-10-14T14:54:00.000-07:00

The following are additional rational number questions (the answers will be posted shortly).

Open publication - Free publishing - More rational

Rational number operations

2010-10-14T14:35:00.000-07:00

The following video explains how to answer the questions from the study guide. a copy of the study guide is also located below the video explanation.

Open publication - Free publishing - More rational

Pythagorean theorem applied

2010-10-07T12:44:00.000-07:00

How could you use the pythagorean theorem if you know only the value of a leg and the hypotenuse? The following video demonstrates how to do that. If you would like more information about the pythagorean theorem you may click here: Pytyhagorean theorem

Pythagorean theorem explained geometrically 2

2010-10-07T12:39:00.000-07:00

The following video demonstrates how the pythagorean theorem is may be applied to solve a word problem.

Pythagorean theorem explained geometrically

2010-10-07T12:34:00.000-07:00

The pythagorean theorem may be interpreted geometrically by saying that the area of the squares on the legs of the right triangle must equal the area of the square on the hypotenuse. You may see additional information and explanations of this concept by clicking here:Pythagorean theorem

Homework assignments for this year

2010-08-26T13:01:00.000-07:00

Below you will find a tentative copy of the Homework calendar. Homework is due the next school day after it is assigned. If you know that you have an important event happening on a particular date, please make sure to plan to due your homework in advance.

Open publication - Free publishing - More math

Welcome Back

2010-08-25T14:36:00.000-07:00

We will discuss how to put rational numbers in order as well as how to perform operations on them. A good understanding of integers is important to that goal. To that end here is a copy of the notes that we had from our discussion.

Open publication - Free publishing - More math

Upcoming changes

2010-08-14T22:15:00.000-07:00

This site will include a few features to allow for access by web enabled phones. For example .3gp and mp4 versions of the videos on this site will be available here.

Technology Conference

2010-06-16T05:54:00.000-07:00

These are the links that I will use for demonstration purposes:

1. wikispaces student example

2. Link to download a sample video

3. Download winff video converter

4. Archive.org

5. Feedburner

Still counting it down

2010-03-24T13:58:00.000-07:00

I know at this point we are probably tired of hearing about the TAKS test. Nevertheless, we only have 12 more calendar days before the math TAKS test. Please continue to study and use all of the resources you have at your disposal. Tonight's homework is to analyze the following topics in the same format as you did last night:
1. coordinate graphing
2.reflections.

Questions from the math TAKS study guide

2010-03-24T06:01:00.000-07:00

The homework last night was to do the following for Comparing Fractions,Decimals, and Percents , Estimating square roots, Scientific notation, Sequences :
1. create an example of a question that may be asked about the topic.
2. Describe how you can solve these types of questions.
3. Describe the mistakes you might make on these types of questions.
4. Describe what you could do to check your answer and avoid the mistakes you might make.

Also, the file below is a copy of the questions that were explained in the TAKS tutorial DVD that I created.

Going through the questions in the TAKS study guide (part 2)

2010-03-22T13:05:00.000-07:00

The following is an explanation of the remaining objectives in the TAKS study guide.

Going through the questions in the TAKS study guide (part 1)

2010-03-11T14:32:00.000-08:00

The following video demonstrates how some of the questions in objectives 1 to 3 may be answered.

Student explanation of Benchmark questions

2010-03-03T08:09:00.000-08:00

The following video playlist shows how some of the questions from our benchmark exam were done. In problem 3, at the end of the problem she meant to say multiply straight across instead of cross multiply.

Volume problem from benchmark part 2

2010-03-03T05:26:00.000-08:00

For some reason itunes seems to only read the first of multiple enclosure links. Therefore the purpose of this post is to allow for the second enclosure link in the playlist below to be read by itunes.

More on volume

2010-03-03T05:22:00.000-08:00

This post describes how to solve the volume question on our benchmark test. There are two videos in this playlist. The first video is a student explanation and the second is the teacher explanation of the same problem.

Surface area information

2010-02-12T13:28:00.001-08:00

Although you can find out surface area by adding the areas of each face, we also may need to use a formula. The formula chart gives us various formulas we may use and the pdf below describes how we may use those formulas.

Also, the homework tonight is to complete the mastering the TAKS book pg.33 #1-5.

Friday's test on surface area

2010-02-10T12:59:00.000-08:00

You may find a copy of the test explained in the videos below here or in the box.net folder on the lower right of the screen. The video below contains student and teacher explanations of how to obtain the correct answer for the test questions. Also, do not forget that you should do test corrections. They are due tomorrow. If you need another copy of the test correction form you may find it in the box.net folder on the lower right part of the screen.

There are several videos in the video playlist below. The following picture demonstrates how to navigate the videos in this playlist.

Counting down to TAKS

2010-02-04T07:51:00.000-08:00

Due to some technical issues I was not able to post any new blog entries for a while. However, during that I time I was able to put some of the things that we have done and will do in a movie. The movie consists of two discs. The second disc contains objective 4 through 6 from the TAKS test. The questions explained come from here. You may also view more information about the TAKS test here. To burn a copy of the second DVD disc download the file and use programs such as nero or roxio creator and a blank DVD disc to make a DVD that can play in your DVD player.

Reviewing Transformations

2010-01-21T10:38:00.000-08:00

I was in a bit of a hurry so I made a mistake in the last video. I called the axes by the wrong name. The x axis is horizontal (left to right) and the y axis is vertical( up and down).

Also, do not forget that you have a test tomorrow.

Objective 3 numbers 26 through 28

2010-01-20T07:45:00.000-08:00

The homework tonight is mastering the TAKS pg. 27 8.6B numbers 1 through 3.

TAKS objective 3 numbers 22 through 25

2010-01-19T14:57:00.000-08:00

This objective has some geometry concepts. It is important that we remember what each of the transformations are. Dilations represent an enlargement or reduction by a scale factor. Translations (slides) are when a figure is moved vertically and horizontally. A Rotation represents a turn.

The homework for tonight is the mastering the TAKS book pg. 26 8.6A numbers 1 through 4.

If you want to learn more about scale factor please click on this link.

More informations about transformations

2010-01-14T14:45:00.000-08:00

Transformations involve a change in size or position of an object. This is similar to how the robots in the movie Transformers change their shape or transform. Transformations may be Translations (slides), Dilations (enlargements or reductions using a scale factor) or reflections( flips).

(More to come later)

The homework for tonight is from the mastering the TAKS book, pg. 20 8.3B numbers 1 through 6.

Objective 2- Patterns , relationships, and algebraic reasoning

2010-01-13T13:59:00.000-08:00

WE should know that proportional relationship may be represented with a table, and that often we may be able to use a ratio table to solve these situations.
The homework tonight is to complete the mastering the TAKS page 16 8.2A numbers 1 through 5.

(More to come later)

Determining if your answer is reasonable

2010-01-11T14:50:00.000-08:00

To determine if your answer is reasonable it may be appropriate to estimate your answer.

The homework tonight is to work in the mastering the TAKS book pg. 17 8.2C numbers 1 through 3.

Class Projects

2010-01-08T05:34:00.000-08:00

The video in this post's enclosure link did not work well in iTunes, so I have reattached it to this posts enclosure link. Also, the following link contains some of the projects that were returned last semester .

More on TAKS objective 1

2010-01-07T12:47:00.000-08:00

Please continue to study. Do not forget to work on your study island assignment.
Your Homework tonight is to complete pg. 14 8.1C numbers 1-4.

The following video explains the homework problems from last night.

TAKS practice objective 1

2010-01-06T14:26:00.001-08:00

The homework for tonight is from the Mastering the TAKS grade 8 book pg. 13 8.1B numbers 1-4.

Pythagorean theorem is easy but check to see if you are answering the correct question

2009-12-14T14:39:00.001-08:00

The following video demonstrates how to use a problem solving technique when solving word problems involving the Pythagorean Theorem.

Response to a question about percent benchmarks

2009-12-08T15:27:00.000-08:00

A student asked me why it was fine to add the values of 20% of a number and 5% of a number to get 25% of a number. The following video has two examples that clarified it for the student.

Also, do not forget that you have a study island assignment. Also, if you did not complete the assignment we did today you may submit do so here.

To recieve our podcast on your computer click on this link or this one.

More on computing percents mentally

2009-12-08T06:15:00.000-08:00

The following video describes how to find the percent of a number using various methods including mentally.

Computing percents mentally

2009-12-07T14:34:00.000-08:00

To find the percent of a number easily you may use the fraction equivalents of percents. For example, 50% of 120 is the same as 1/2 of 120 or 60. You may also use 10% of that number to find other percentages. For example, to find 65% of 120 you may find 10% first. 10% of a number means that you divide that number into 10 equal parts, so 10% of 120 is 12. To get 60% of 120 you need 6 times more than the 10% that you have. Therefore, 60% of 120 is 12 times 6 or 78. To get the remaining 5% remember that 5% is half of 10%, so 5% of 120 is 6. To get 65% add what you have for 60% and 5%. The value that you get is 84. Please review the previous posts to see a video example of how to do this.

The homework for tonight is pg 270 numbers 8-25,36,37.

Finding the percent of a number information (part 3) and emergency lesson plans

2009-11-29T03:26:00.000-08:00

Examples on how to find the percent of a number may be found in the following video.

Emergency lesson plans may be found here: Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday, Friday.

Students have an assignment from study island that must be completed.

Also remember to continue to study and have your parents sign off on your study log.

Below are notes related to finding the percent of a number.

Finding the percent of a number information (part 2) and emergency lesson plans

2009-11-29T03:21:00.000-08:00

The following video contains more information on how to quickly find the percent of a number.

Emergency lesson plans may be found here: Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday, Friday.

Additional notes for part 2 are below.

Finding the percent of a number information (part 1) and emergency lesson plans

2009-11-29T02:20:00.000-08:00

One method that may be used to find the percent of a number is to use benchmarks to calculate the percent of a number. For example 10% of 300 is 30. That means that 5% of 300 is half that. Therefore 5% of 300 is 15. We can use these relationships to find the percent of any number.

Emergency lesson plans may be found here: Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday, Friday.

Additional notes for part 1 are below.

Cooking with proportions

2009-11-23T12:23:00.000-08:00

Proportions, or equal ratios come up when we deal with food.

The following video demonstrates that.

If you would like more information about when you should set up a proportion please look here.
The homework tonight is to read pages 198 to 200 and do numbers 6 -25, 33-35.

The following poster describes when it would be appropriate to set up a proportion to solve a word problem.

Also, the following pdf was originally published by the Texas Education Agency. It is the April 2009 released TAKS test:

You may find more information about the TAKS test here: http://eigthgrademathmocity.wikispaces.com/TAKS+information

Computers use scale factor

2009-11-20T06:48:00.000-08:00

The following video demonstrates how we use scale factor every time we use a computer.

Also, please sign in to your gaggle account tonight to complete the quiz that I emailed to you.

Scale factor is a proportional concept

2009-11-18T16:08:00.000-08:00

If two figures are similar then there should be a scale factor that can be applied to one figure to get the sides of the other. The following video demonstrates how we can undertsand what similar figures really mean.

Scale Factor, Similarity, and proportions are related concepts

2009-11-17T14:43:00.000-08:00

Scale factor describes the relationship between similar figures. The word "factor" is often connected to multiplication. Remember in elementary school you learned that factor times factor equals product. So in the statement "2 times 3 equals 6", 2 and 3 are factors of 6. Therefore scale factor tells us how two similar figures are related through multiplication. For example, if you have two similar figures where on the original figure a side is 2 feet and on the corresponding (matching side) of dilated figure is 6 feet, the scale factor is 3 because 2 times three equals 6. The following video shows a bit about how scale factor may be found in similar figures.

Remember that you DOthe scale factor. You write a ratio with the Dilated side over the corresponding or matching side on the Original figure.

Do not forget to complete the homework. The homework for tonight is page 209 numbers 13, 14, 16, 17, 20-24.

More on Dilations

2009-11-17T06:51:00.000-08:00

Please click on the following link: http://eigthgrademathmocity.wikispaces.com/Scale+factor+questions

Similarity and Scale Factor

2009-11-16T14:22:00.000-08:00

The Homework tonight is to read section 4-5 and to do pg. 209 numbers 5-12,18,19.

Here is the final exam schedule

2009-11-14T14:39:00.000-08:00

The final exam schedule can be found below.

Your project is due tomorrow

2009-11-12T14:00:00.000-08:00

Some of the projects that have been returned so far have been very well prepared. I am looking forward to the others that will be handed in tomorrow. If you need to email it to me you may find my email address on the school web site.

Today we discussed scale factor as it relates to similar figures.
To find the scale factor remember DO (dilation over the original) or NO (New over the Old)
You may find additional information about it here.

The notes from today are below.

Application of constant of proportionality

2009-11-11T06:44:00.000-08:00

A proportional situation may be examined in a table. The following video shows that the constant of proportionality is the same as the unit rate and may be used to determine if a situation is proportional. Notice also how we use our TIPS problem solving format. At the end of the video I meant to say the problems on the left.)

The problem that was worked out is in the pdf below.

Proportions

2009-11-09T14:47:00.000-08:00

There are several ways that we can use to determine whether a situation is proportional. One way is using the constant of proportionality. If a situation has a constant of proportionality it is proportional. If it does not have that constant then it is not proportional.This is is explained in the following video.

If you would like more information about proportions click this link or this link

Do not forget that your project is due on Friday. Also, I will be checking your study sheets. If you lost it, you may obtain a copy here. Or go to http://www.fortbend.k12.tx.us/campuses/mcms/TeacherDocuments.cfm?TeacherIndex=33314&ResourceIndex=33770
and click on study log.

Gallery walk

2009-10-30T12:48:00.000-07:00

Do not forget that your district assessment is Tuesday of next week. On Monday please bring a signed note indicating that you have studied. You also need to bring your Post test paper back on Monday. Please review the links pertaining to rational numbers, Pythagorean theorem, and scientific notation.

Remember that you may also sign up for our podcast and receive our video lessons.

Operations on rational numbers part 3

2009-10-29T16:29:00.000-07:00

The following video explains some of the questions that we have worked in class.

Some animation links

2009-10-27T18:50:00.000-07:00

Your project is due 11/13/09. The description of your project may be found here. You may use animation as one way of presenting the information. If you do so you may click the following link. I will add more animation possibilities at another time.

Checkpoint tomorrow

2009-10-22T12:22:00.001-07:00

The following video explains some questions that relate to your checkpoint tomorrow.

Below you will find a copy of the questions that are explained in the video.

More pythagorean theorem examples

2009-10-20T15:06:00.000-07:00

Remember that each topic that we learn is not completely separate from other topics. Therefore, even though Pythagorean theorem is used many times as a formula it may also be interpreted geometrically. The following video demonstrates how we can connect those ideas.

Grades are exported this Friday

2009-10-19T05:29:00.000-07:00

Your final opportunity to improve your grade will be this Friday. Please make sure that you return your unfinished test correction tomorrow. Also, please make sure that you practice applying the Pythagorean theorem because you will have questions related to it on your next checkpoint. This will be included in your major grades. Your homework is pg.165 numbers 8-19,33, and 34.

Below there is a description of your project that will be due November 13:

Pythagorean theorem geometrically speaking

2009-10-13T14:36:00.000-07:00

The Pythagorean theorem is " a^2 + b^2 = c^2 " where a and b represent the length of legs and c represents the length of the hypotenuse. This formula is often read as "a squared plus b squared equals c squared." When it says "squared" geometrically you are using actual squares. When you add the areas of the squares on the legs it should equal the area of the square on the hypotenuse. If these areas do not add up then that means that the sides of those squares do not form a right triangle. The video below demonstrates that idea.

Also, the sides of the right triangle that form the 90 degree angle are called legs because they support the hypotenuse the same way that our legs keep us from falling. Also the hypotenuse comes from Greek words ( hypo - which means under, and teinein - which means to stretch) that give us the idea that it is the line that is stretched between the two legs of the right triangle.

No Homework tonight.

Also, don't forget that if you have trouble with pythagorean theorem you may see some more examples on our wiki.

Answers to our last test

2009-10-12T09:00:00.000-07:00

Most periods did well on the test, however there were some popular mistakes. These mistakes are discussed in the video below. Also, do not forget that everything that we will do for the year is shown on the podcast and on our class wiki.

You may explore topics like scientific notation and pythagorean theorem on the wiki.

On each of those pages there are example TAKS problems, but there is also a separate page dealing with the TAKS test

Assessment tomorrow

2009-10-08T05:28:00.000-07:00

Do not forget that you must have a study note signed by your parent when you take your assessment tomorrow. Also, please practice the concepts that we have discussed so far. I have posted a practice test in the box.net sidebar on the lower right side of your screen to help you practice your concepts for the test. Also, I have included a copy of it below.

Estimating square root word problems

2009-10-07T14:31:00.000-07:00

You may have word problems involving estimating square roots. They may appear as a question in which you are estimating the length of the side of a square with a given area. For example, suppose you are asked the following " estimate the side length of a square if the area of that square is 14 square centimeters." In this case you should determine the perfect squares that this number falls between, then use that to estimate the square root of 14. First, 14 is between 9 and 16. So the square root of 14 is a number between 3 and 4. If you guess that this number is 3.7, you should multiply this number times itself to see if that product is close to 14.

The homework tonight is pg. 150 numbers 10 to 24 even. Also, do not forget study island.

More on estimating square roots

2009-10-06T14:26:00.000-07:00

Today many of us were able to estimate the square root of irrational numbers. For those still experiencing difficulty just remember that your perfect squares tell you what numbers your estimated square root should be between. For example if we needed to find out the square root of 28, we know that 28 is between the perfect squares 25 and 36. Since the square roots of these numbers are 5 and 6 respectively, then the square root of 28 is going to be a number between 5 and 6. We can then guess and check our answer by multiplying that value by itself. The following video contains an example. You may also click here for more information on estimating irrational numbers.

The homework tonight is to read pages 148-9 and complete problems 9-25 (odd), 27-31, 33-42. Also, this week you have a study island assignment. The assignment is titled: "Rational and Irrational numbers 3." I will give you until next Friday to complete this study island assignment. Please remember that you may redo it for a higher grade. Do not guess because it will make your grade lower. Also you have a test this Friday.

Estimating square roots

2009-10-05T14:52:00.000-07:00

Estimating square roots is a concept that has many applications. You may see this concept as a step in a word problem, or in problems testing your knowledge of the pythagorean theorem. It may even be used in a situation where the area of a square is given and you must find the length of the side. The homework from last week thursday was to do pg.136#27-36 and pg. 138#66-75. Tonight's homework is to describe :1. how to convert numbers from scientific notation to standard form. 2.a Strategy you may use when dealing with word problems involving elevation or temperature. Also, you will receive another study island assignment this week.

Our test today went well

2009-09-30T14:07:00.000-07:00

About 95% of us know how to put fractions, decimals and percents in order. We were also very successful in determining the approximate location of a rational number on the number line. However, we need to work a little more on determining the appropriate operations in a word problem. Also, pay attention to the other words in a problem (the ones that are not math terms). These words may give additional information about what you should do.

The homework from yesterday is due tomorrow.

Also today we received our access code to view our grades online.

The following video will explain what you need to do to sign up.

This video explains a question that a student asked.

More on scientific notation

2009-09-29T13:58:00.000-07:00

There are many ways to convert numbers from scientific notation to standard form. You could estimate the product and use that to verify your answer. For example 2.08 x 10^2 is close to 2 x 10^2. Since 2 x 10^2 is 200, you know that the answer to 2.08 x 10^2 is close to 200. So the answer is 208. Or you could move the decimal point according to the power of 10 that you have. If you have 3.16 x 10^3 you could move the decimal point three spaces to the right from where it is in 3.16. When you do that you end up with 3160.

The homework tonight is pg. 132 numbers 12-30 even.
Grades are exported Friday, please redo your study island assignment so that you can receive a higher grade. Also, please return the progress report that I handed out to you today. Make sure that it is signed by your parent. Also, test tomorrow.

If you do not have access to the textbook you may use the code Barrett812 when you click the following link.

The following video is a student explaining one of the above ways to convert numbers from scientific notation.

The bottom of the paper was not visible in the video. But here is the paper that she was working on:

Recognizing a number that is in scientific notation

2009-09-28T12:36:00.000-07:00

A number in scientific notation has the following requirements. One of the factors (usually the first number) is between 1 and 10. This number may be one but it may not be over 10. The other factor is a power of 10. The exponent may be any integer.

For example 9.7 x 10^5 is correct scientific notation, but 97 x 10^4 is not.

Homework tonight is pg. 132 numbers 11-29 (odd) and numbers 30-34, 36-44.

Also, don't forget grades for this progress report get exported this friday. You must also complete another study island assignment before friday at 5 p.m.

Yes we are still discussing rational numbers

2009-09-23T05:58:00.000-07:00

We need to be able to look at a problem solving situation and determine what operations need to be done, and apply those operations to the information that the problem gives.

You have another web assignment on study island. You need to complete this assignment by Sunday. The assignment is titled: "Rational numbers assignment 2". Do not wait until then to do it. Remember that you have many opportunities to redo the assignment and receive a high grade.

No Homework tonight.

Open house is tonight.

Practice your problem solving skills

2009-09-21T06:42:00.000-07:00

One plan you may use in solving a problem is to look for a pattern in the information and use it to find your answer. After you do this check your answer for reasonableness.

Homework tonight is to complete sections 1-6 and 2-8 in the glencoe study guide and intervention book. You may access these on the wiki Click the link that says "do you need step by step explanations on chapter problems?"

Also, do not forget that many of the topics we will discuss this year are already explained on our class wiki and on our podcast.

We will do a project involving creating a scripted situation explaining what we have learned so far. If you have an opportunity you may want to start playing around with this free text to action site at this link

Rational number suggestions

2009-09-18T12:38:00.000-07:00

If you have a problem that seems difficult, don't forget that you may change it to an equivalent problem to find the solution. For example if you did not know how to calculate -3.5 - (-2.7) you could try the problem without decimals to see what you should do. - 3 - (-2) is an easier problem to work out.

Do not forget that your web assignment is due sunday. Don't procrastinate, as you have known since monday that this assignment is due. Also, your homework this weekend is to complete pg. 113 numbers 1,2,4-16.

Answering questions on rational numbers

2009-09-16T14:56:00.000-07:00

You may receive the videos on this blog by downloading our podcast on itunes.

Homework tonight is to complete the sheet "word problem practice section 2-5". . Remember that if you received a poor grade on study island, you may redo it some time before sunday.

The following video explains some questions that were asked about the homework. If you have any additional questions, or if there are examples that you would like to see worked out, please visit our question area and post a comment at the bottom of the screen.

If you needed to see question 39 worked out visit the post for Monday.

Here are the lyrics the the integer song made by CORE educational tools.

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Even more on operations on rational numbers- integer rules

2009-09-15T14:16:00.000-07:00

Don't forget to hand in your test corrections by tomorrow. Also, remember that your web assignment is due by sunday. I extended the date to allow those that do not have internet access at home to make arrangements to complete the assignment. Please let me know if you have any technical issues in accessing study island.

Homework tonight : pg 110 numbers 29-41,43,46-59
you may also want to listen to the integer song to remember how to use integers. The integer song was made by CORE (http://www.educationaltools.org/core/).

Addition and subtraction of like fractions (yes you still do this in grade 8)

2009-09-14T05:46:00.001-07:00

The difference between adding these fractions in elementary school and doing so in grade 8 is that you will have to use your integer rules to know how to add them. remember that when adding integers if the signs are the same add the numbers and keep the sign. If they are different, subtract the numbers and keep the sign.

You can change any subtraction problem to addition using keep change change.

Homework tonight : read pg. 108-109 do numbers 11-28,44,45

Test corrections due wednesday.

Web assignment due friday : Go to study island and do the assignment ocalled "Operations on rational numbers".

The following video explains how to do the homework for tonight.

How do you divide rational numbers that are in fraction form?

2009-09-10T12:48:00.000-07:00

To divide rational numbers that are in fraction form you just need to change the problem to multiplication using the multiplicative inverse. You should do KEEP CHANGE FLIP. Keep the first fraction the same, then change the operation to multiplication and flip the second fraction.

More on operations on rational numbers- multiplying fractions

2009-09-10T12:32:00.000-07:00

To multiply fractions remember that like signs have a positive answer when multiplying, and unlike signs have a negative answer. Also to get the product you must multiply the numerators then multiply the denominators, and simplify as necessary.

The homework tonight is to read pg. 102 - 104 and do numbers 13-36,47,48

Also define : multiplicative inverse and reciprocal.

Identifying words or ideas that indicate addition, subtraction, or multiplication

2009-09-09T15:53:00.000-07:00

The key to knowing what operation to do in a word problem is to understand what information is actually being given (what ideas or processes is the question indicating). Along with that you should know what operation certain key words indicate.

No Homework tonight.

Operations on rational numbers

2009-09-08T07:43:00.000-07:00

The assignment today was to complete all problems for section 2-2 in the glencoe study guide and intervention book.

Also students were to complete the first four problems on page 13 of the glencoemastering the TAKS book.

Tonight's homework is to read pg. 96-98 and do numbers 12-29,55,56

If you do not remember how to access the textbook online click here.

Since we will soon discuss operations on rational numbers you should review how to perform operations on integers. Also, start to think about when a word problem requires addition, subtraction, multiplication, or division.

Questions about wednesday night's homework

2009-09-04T11:14:00.000-07:00

The following video explains some of the questions that students had trouble with on the homework that was given on Wednesday 9/2/09

About the test

2009-09-04T10:58:00.000-07:00

Unfortunately I was unable to upload a practice test and answers.
The answers to Friday's test are below if you would like to print a copy go to the sidebar and click inside of the box titled "box.net"

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The following video explains how the test questions should have been worked out and explains some of the errors in the above document. Unfortunately, there are also a few typing errors "fraction decimal" should just be "decimal."

If you would like to learn more about rational numbers click here or here. This link contains examples of how this question may be tested on the TAKS test.

Rational number comparison review

2009-09-03T10:16:00.000-07:00

You have a test tomorrow.

The following are the homework questions that you should answer tonight:
(Click on the image to enlarge it)
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Test this friday

2009-09-02T05:42:00.000-07:00

Do not forget that you have a test this friday. Please check the blog later, I will post a practice test with answers.

Tonight's homework is from the textbook : Do page 94 numbers 30-36, 38, 42-53 and read page 96 - 98.

The following are questions that we did today. They are answered in the video above.

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More on rational numbers

2009-09-01T22:10:00.000-07:00

There will be a test on friday regarding comparing and ordering rational numbers, and placing them on a number line.

If you have any unresolved questions about rational numbers please click here to ask.

Tonight's homework is is to answer the following questions:
(give examples to support your explanation)

1. What is a rational number?

2. How do you put rational numbers in order?

3. How do you decide where to put rational numbers on a number line?

Also, the following are the answers to some of the questions that were posed at the end of the video in this post.

Putting rational numbers on a number line

2009-08-31T14:08:00.000-07:00

To put rational numbers on a number line you may convert them to decimals, then use what you know about money to put them in order. Remember also that the negatives are like a mirror for the positives. If 0.75 is close to 1.00 or 1 dollar then -0.75 is close to
-1.00.

For more information about rational numbers click here.

Tonight's homework (section 2-2) in the textbook. Read page 91-93. Do numbers 10-29, 39-41

If you do not have access to the textbook you may use the code Barrett812 when you click the following link.

Here is what your screen should look like:

Comparing and ordering rational numbers with negative decimals

2009-08-28T12:21:00.000-07:00

We discussed comparing and ordering rational number. In sixth and seventh grade students were asked to put positive rational numbers (fractions, decimals, and percents) in order. In eighth grade they are asked to do the same but with some negative rational numbers mixed into the problems. What students need to remember is that you put these values in order the same way that you put integers in order.

To learn more view the video below or click on the following link: Comparing fractions decimals and percents

Here is a list of some of the common fraction decimal percent equivalencies:

Advice from students last year

2009-08-14T14:22:00.000-07:00

The following presentation contains advice that some of last year's students gave to the incoming eighth grade students.

How do we use class time

2009-07-18T19:51:00.000-07:00

As the school year is about to begin we should think about how we use or time. The following slides will help us to reflect on how well we are using our time, and if we have room for improvement.

how can you tell the difference between a rational and irrational number?

2009-06-18T18:25:00.000-07:00

Unfortunately the first video that I linked to the post by the same name was not correct. Here is the correct video.

What is the difference between theoretical and experimental probability?

2009-06-03T11:49:00.000-07:00

Theoretical probability is the likelihood that an event occurs in theory. Experimental probability is found after experimentation.

How can you tell the difference between a proportional and nonproportional siuation.

2009-06-03T11:44:00.000-07:00

Make a table and test to see if is proportional.

How is a Stem and Leaf graph or a line plot useful?

2009-06-03T11:35:00.000-07:00

Stem and Leaf is useful for condensing data, and line plots are a good way to show how frequently certain data appear.

How can you tell the difference between a rational and irrational number?

2009-06-03T10:50:00.000-07:00

Rational numbers may be written as fractions, irrational numbers cannot.

How do you estimate square roots?

2009-06-03T10:46:00.000-07:00

To estimate square roots know your perfect squares. Then figure out which perfect squares the number is between and evaluate those square roots.

Box and whiskers

2009-06-02T05:37:00.000-07:00

Box and Whiskers is a good way to see how data is distributed. We can tell what percent values of the data are within a certain range.

Scatterplots

2009-06-01T19:16:00.000-07:00

These plots show how different parts of data relate to each other.

Comparing Fraction Decimal and Percent

2009-05-29T13:38:00.000-07:00

Put every rational number in the same form then compare them.

How can you write numbers in scientific notation?

2009-05-29T13:33:00.000-07:00

Remember that positive exponents are for whole numbers and negative exponents give decimals less than 1. Also, the first number in your scientific notation is more than one but less than 10.

How do you know what to do when asked for the scale factor of a dilation?

2009-05-29T13:27:00.000-07:00

Remember NO, New over Old. Put the new amount over the old amount.