MORE Algebra Final Exam Review

Algebra Final Exam Review

Ask questions on the Final Exam Packets here... please specify the unit or packet and question#!!!

If you can clearly respond to questions before I do... please do.  Remember, the process is more important than the answer.

Algebra EOC De-Brief

Calling ALL Algebra-ticians!!

I need your help! Please write a de-briefing narrative about the Algbera EOC Test. PLEASE... No specifics on questions (i.e. you can say "there were several systems that required the elimination method" however do not say "recall question #23 Solve 4x^2+3x+7=14").

You may answer anonymously, supply initials, or a first name (no full names please). Write whatever you feel, here are some guiding questions:

- How much studying, practice problems, etc did you do outside of regular homework?
- In the morning prior to the test, how would you rate your perceived level of preparation for the test? (scale of 1 to 5; unprepared=1 to fully prepared=5)
- After the test (in retrospect) how would you rate your level of preparation for the test? (scale of 1 to 5; unprepared=1 to fully prepared=5)
- About what percentage of the problems did you feel were easy? Medium? Hard? Impossible?
- About how many problems did you feel totally unprepared for?
- Any vocabulary that you were unfamiliar with (you can be specific here)?
- Did we miss any topics in the class that would have been helpful?
- Did you use the features of the GRAPHING calculator to either answer questions or check answers?
- Were you comfortable with the graphing calculators?
- We never got to Chapter 12 "Data Analysis & Probability" in our book at all.  Take a peek at it; Did this omission adversely impact your preparedness?

Thanks,
Mr. C.

Algebra EOC Review Part II

At this point, the questions are up to you... just give we a PAGE NUMBER AND PROBLEM NUMBER when you ask a question.  Feel free to look at old Problem Sets as well.

I will be in school by 7:30am Tues and Weds if anyone wants to drop by... (possibly a little earlier on Weds)

Algebra EOC Review

Any and all questions are welcome...
Here are my suggestions:

pg 86 #65,73,77

pg 112 #27,31
pg 117 #8,9
pg 154-55 #34-36,49,50
Read/Review 2-9 & 2-10 Percent of Increase & Decrease (terms you should know)
pg 193 #15,22
pg 211 #41,45
pg 252 #9
pg 257 #21,23
pg 266 #24,25
pg 282-84 #5,7,15,19,24,29-32
pg 317 #31

That's enough for now... hopefully you are more "in tune" with the work we have done since the mid-term... please review as you see fit... please participate in the blog.  Pick some problems in Chaps 6-10 and challenge your alge-buddies with them.

Factors cancel, terms don't!

hw #11-2 (thru 11-5)

Those of you who weren't in class might have a tough time... at least do the reading and come prepared for a "working lunch."

pg 662 #11,17,27,35,41
pg 669 #13,21 (these could be tough if you weren't in class... not to worry, I can bring you up to speed)
pg 675 #13,21,29,41
pg 683 #13,19,27

hw #11-1 SING IT!! Factors Cancel, Terms Don't... Factors Cancel, Terms Don't!!

UNIT 11 is up and running on MathChamber... I'm sure you were suffering withdrawal symptoms!

We didn't discuss the concept of EXCLUDED VALUES in class today... you will need to understand it.  Simply stated, now that we have algebraic fractions with variables in the ORIGINAL denominator, there are specific values of the variable that would cause the ORIGINAL denominator to equal ZERO... a mathematical "no-no" as you know-know (I just crack me up!).

So, a simple example would be (x-2)/(x-7)... This expression can be evaluated for all real numbers x, except x=7.

So when you simplify an expression like (x-2)(x-4)/(x-4), it simplifies to x-2 for all real numbers where x<>2
... when you simplify an expression like (x+2)/(x^2+5x+6), it simplifies to 1/(x+3) for all real numbers where x<>-2,-3, since the ORIGINAL expression in the denominator could be factored to (x+2)(x+3).

YOU can do this... Ca-peesh??

hw #11-1 pg 655 #1-7, 9-21 Odd, #29,33,42

HAVE FUN!!!

hw #10-4 If you can't SOLVE 'em, SQUARE 'em!!

QUIZ 10-1 thru 10-4 on Friday

pg 619 Mid-Chapter Quiz
pg 623 #7-23 Odd

hw #10-3 Radicals are RADICAL!!

Check out the Pearson and Khan Academy Videos on MathChamber

hw#10-3: Due Wed May 11
pg 610-11 #35, 39, 41, 47, 49, 55c
pg 616-17 #1-8, 11, 15, 19, 23, 25, 29, 31, 35, 47, 49
 
A forward thinking algebra student might be looking at the Mid-Chapter Quiz on pg 619

btw... You GOTSK a quiz on Friday on 10-1 thru 10-4 !!

hw #10-1 & 10-2 Pythagorus was a RADICAL!

CUMULATIVE REVIEW QUESTIONS ARE ALWAYS WELCOME! 

MATHCHAMBER UNIT 10 IS UP & RUNNING AND READY & ABLE TO ASSIST YOUR LEARNING... WHY DON'T YOU PULL UP A CHAIR AND WATCH A FEW VIDEO TUTORS?!

hw #10-1
Read Section 10-1
(Calculator OK)
#6-7, 9,10, 21,29,37

hw #10-2
Read Section 10-2
#1-6, 11-27 Odd
Use the calculator sparingly!

ASK QUESTIONS!  BE READY FOR MONDAY!!

Ask MORE ASK Questions here... AND Algebra Review Q's too!

I won't be around much tonight (Weds) so good luck tomorrow on Part I!!

Ask ASK questions here!

hw #9-7 Unit 9 Review

I have reviewed EACH AND EVERY question in the Unit Review (excluding 9-7 thru 9-8) and the Chapter Test (excluding #20-22). I feel every question is fair game for the test, including the word problems and vertical motion problems.

P.S. I'll be home late-ish on Thursday (more math debates), so you'll need to help each other with questions and answers... please do.

hw #9-6 The QUADRATIC FORMULA... The Better Way!!

UNIT TEST on Sections 9-1 thru 9-6 ONLY
ON FRIDAY!!  YIPPEE!!

Better Way - by Ben Harper

hw #9-6
READ pg 567-571
Complete Problem Set 9A (see answers on MathChamber)
pg 571-573 #7,11,15
for #23-28, DO NOT SOLVE, just choose a method and supply your reasoning;
#41


A SMART STUDENT would begin to look at pages 590-91... the test (ON FRIDAY!!) will be on sections 9-1 thru 9-6 ONLY... we're done!!


Chapter Test on pg 593; OMIT/IGNORE questions #20-22

hw #9-5 Completing the Square, Bunnies and Eggs

Ok, so we're just going to complete the square... no bunnies... no eggs.

Please confirm your answers using a graphing calculator (TI-84 or Graphit on the web).

The problems that have a 'b' coefficient that is odd (i.e. #22: p^2+5p-7=0) are a little tougher, but I expect you to PERSIST and find a solution (or ask me a question). The method is the same, you just have slightly more difficult numbers to work with... you have a calculator... stop whining!!

pg 564-66 #5-27 Odd, 33-39 Odd, 46,47

hw #9-4 Kosher for Passover!

This homework assignment has been meticulously prepared under the strict supervision of the math god of planes, Schlomo.

A little known fact in mathematical history is that in the early 17th century, Schlomo (then just an MGIT - math god in training), had a surplus of matzo which he distributed to European philosophers for sustenance. One of those philosophers was Rene Descartes, who later became the father of the cartesian coordinate system, aka the coordinate plane. Coincidence?  I don't think so!

So, as you munch on matzo this Passover, think about slopes, parabolas, intersections of systems and all things algebraic... Guten Pesach!!

pg 557-58 #5-7, 9-33 mult of 3
pg 560 1-infinity (at least #3,8,15,21,26-30)
Pretend you are having a quiz on Weds.... you're not... do as much as you can... please ask questions where you don't understand!

hw #9-3 What goes up...

... must do homework!!

hw #9-3

pg 538-539 #26,27,40
pg 545 #26,34

pg 551 #9-33 Odd

I'm expecting questions on the blog... from EVERYONE!!

hw #9-1 Quadratic Functions, Parabolas, Symmetry, and FUN FUN FUN!

TO ALL LOVERS OF ALGEBRA (yes, that's you guys!)
I cannot over-emphasize the importance of ALL of the homework problems I assign in this unit. If you are having difficulty, please ask a question on the blog... DO NOT WAIT FOR CLASS TO ASK QUESTIONS!!!!

YIPPEE!! Unit 9 is up and running on MathChamber for your viewing pleasure.
Please take advantage of the VIDEO TUTORS in this unit

You can use a graphing calculator to support your work
You should be able to answer many of these questions without generating a specific graph...
... for example #34-39 & #44-47 should be "at-a-glance" answers

BOTH ASSIGNMENTS ARE DUE ON THURSDAY!!!!
hw #9-1
pg 538-540,#5-10,15-20, 34-39,41-47,52-57

hw #9-2
pg 544-546 #11,15,16-19,36-40,46-47

hw Spring Break Cumulative Reviews

The Cumulative Review assignments are as follows:
Chapter 8 Cumulative Review
Chapter 5 Cumulative Review
Chapter 3 Cumulative Review

While these are optional assignments, they are HIGHLY RECOMMENDED as we begin to prepare for the Algebra End of Course (EOC) Exam. Cramming in May will not be fun... do some problems, ask some questions on the blog, and we can all be study-buddies.

Absolute value equations, solving and graphing inequalities, direct variation, slope-intercept and standard form... AHHH, such fond memories...it seems like just yesterday we were solving 3x + 7 = 25!!

FAR TOO MANY OF US (I think 10 out of 13!!) missed distributing the negative on problem #2 on the Unit 8 Test. Wazzup wid dat gang?? That was a "gimme"... we simply cannot make THAT mistake again!

I'll be checking in over the vacation if you have questions.

For those at B- or below... Unhappy with your 3mp grade??.. you need to:
1) do Test Corrections
2) contact me at bruce.chamberlain@msdk12.net and make arrangements for re-tests the week of April 11th

hw #8-6 Springtime, Love, & Polynomial Unit Tests...

... PERFECT TOGETHER!!

ANSWER KEY FOR PS 8B (Ignore the fact that it's titled "PS 10C"... that's an "old" number)

Chapter 8 Review & Chapter Test
#1 - Infinity

excluding section 8-8 Factoring by Grouping (which is really not too much different than the beautiful symmetry and proportion inherent in the Area Model).

hw #8-5 Factoring is FUN & EASY!!

pg 508-09
#1-5 All
#15-25 Odd

Problem Set 8A
... look at Problem Set 8B

hw #8-3 Special Cases

QUIZ on Wednesday 8-1 thru 8-4
hw #8-3
pg 496 #25-45 Odd, #53

pg 498 1-Infinity Odd AND #26

hw #8-2 Multiplying Polynomials, Factoring with GCF, FOIL & Area Model

hw #8-2
pg 483 #9-25, 39 Odd
USE BOTH FOIL AND the AREA MODEL
(the book discusses the "distribution" and a table method, both are very similar to what we have done in class, so just use any method you are comfortable with)
pg 489-490 #21-41 Odd

hw #8-1 Adding & Subtracting Polynomials

Read pg 474-477
#1-15 All
#17,21,25,32,35,38,42,45,47,52,66

Know you new vocabulary:
- Monomial
- Polynomial
- Degree of a monmial
- Degree of a polynomial
- Degree of a term

Re-read and understand COMBINE LIKE TERMS

New Learning
- Standard Form of a Polynomial
- Add & Subtract Polynomials Vertically & Horizontally

Unit 7 Review & Celebration

Test on Friday... woo-hoo!!

This little piggy is heading to a Pi-week party!!

hw #7-7 Exponential Growth APR APY

Read Section 7-8
pg 458-60
#1-13 Odd, 19-21 All, 33-40 Odd

hw #7-6 Ooooohhh-Aaaahhhhhh!!

Reminder: PLEASE visit www.frelinghuysenmiddleschool.org and take the student and parent math survey... THANKS!

Who knew graphing could be this much fun??

Read 447-449
pg 450 #1,2,5, 9-23 Odd

Finish the graphs from classwork
Use the web-based graphing calculator to check your work

hw #7-5 Incontrovertible Truths

pg 439 #1-infinity
pg 443 #19-23 Odd, 41-47 Odd
Problem Set 7B

Just a thought... you might find some of the video tutors on MathChamber helpful...

hw #7-4 POWERS TO THE PEOPLE!!

hw #7-4
pg 436-437
#11-37 Odd
#51-55 Odd
& Problem Set 7A

hw #7-3 Properties of Powers & Exponents

Note: We are skipping scientific notation (section 7-2) and will come back to it SOON... (I could tell that you were VERY concerned!)

hw #7-3
 pg 417 #21-39 Odd
pg 429 #1-7 All, #9-19 Odd

hw #7-1 Zero & Negative Exponents

hw #7-1
Read pg 414-417
pg 417 #5-20 ALL

hw #6-7 Systems of Equations and Inequalities Review

Complete ProbSet 6R
pg 399 #22,23,25

optional homework (only for students that want to do well on tests)
pg 404-407 1-infinity including Chapter Test

UNIT TEST ON MONDAY, FEB 28th!!  :-)

hw #6-6 Systems of Linear Inequalities

Complete ProbSet 6F
pg 398-400 #4,6
#15-39 mult of 3

optional homework (only for students that want to do well on tests)
pg 404-407 1-infinity including Chapter Test

UNIT TEST ON MONDAY, FEB 28th!!  :-)
Note: You can ask questions here, but I will set up a separate blog post for UNIT REVIEW on Thursday.

hw #6-5 Linear Inequalities

hw#6-5: Due Tues Feb 22
Read pg 390-393
pg 393 #1-7 All
pg 394 #9-39 mult of 3
 
You should be prepared for random notebook checks. If your notebook is neat and organized, please leave it as isI will expect to see clearly labeled homework (i.e. DATED and NUMBERED - hw #6-5) showing comprehensive work.

If your notebook is neat and organized and easy for you (and me) to follow, leave it as-is and just make sure that assignments are clearly labeled from this point forward.  You should be organized chronologically, but that can be front-to-back or back-to-front, whichever works for you.  If your notebook is a mess, I suggest that you make changes and soon. The notebook checks will be from this point forward, so I DO NOT EXPECT ANYONE TO GO BACK TO PRIOR WORK (or lack thereof).

If you are starting from scratch (i.e. a mess) make sure that your clearly labeled homework pages are interleaved with DATED class notes. Always bring your notebook to class - it is most likely that notebook checks will take place on Unit Test days.

hw #6-4 Solving Systems; Wierd Things; Which Method to Use...

... did I mention a QUIZ??!!!

KNOW YOUR VOCAB (see pg 361 )

See page 389 (only if you want to do well on the quiz)

hw #6-3 Solving Systems Using the Elimination Method aka Linear Combinations Method

Archibald argues that this method should really be called the "Elimination by Linear Combinations" Method. Agree/ Disagree?

hw #6-2 Solving Systems Using the Substitution Method

ANOTHER MID-TERM???...

... CAN LIFE GET ANY BETTER THAN THIS??!!

As you know, I will be out of town tomorrow.  You will have first lunch and then come back to room 220 for mid-term #2 (the district mid-term).  You will have all period to take the test. You will leave with a homework packet (hoo-ray!!).

I need you to do your VERY BEST.  This test WILL NOT count towards your grade, however I will reward good performances with bonus points as earned. I'm thinking maybe a beanie baby for 1st, 2nd and 3rd place!!

You should be familiar with most of the topics, some of which you have covered in prior years.

There will be a question involving the interpretation of a HISTOGRAM (section 12-2 in our text book)

You'll have to know your MEAN, MEDIAN, and MODE facts (section 12-3 in our text book)

Also, there are video tutors that can help you out:
http://www.phschool.com/webcodes10/index.cfm?fuseaction=home.gotoWebCode&wcprefix=ade&wcsuffix=1201

http://www.phschool.com/webcodes10/index.cfm?fuseaction=home.gotoWebCode&wcprefix=ase&wcsuffix=0901

... all that said... please do NOT go crazy studying!! AND THAT'S AN ORDER!!

URGENT MID-TERM ANNOUNCEMENT!!

PLEASE READ THE FIRST COMMENT!

hw MT-2 More Mid-Term Madness!!

... and more errors in the packet (thanks Paul W!)

BT2 pg 21:
   #25 answer is B
  #26 answer is F
  #27 answer is A

... let me know if you find more

hw MT-1 Happy Mid-Terms Everyone!!

The Mid-term Exam is currently scheduled for Thursday, January 27. You will have one review day (this Tuesday), so make the most of it by working on your review packet over the weekend.  Do as many or few of the problems as you like, with the understanding that ANYTHING in the packet is fair game for the test.  I would appreciate questions blogged in advance so that I have a feel for what to review with you on Tuesday.  DO NOT WAIT FOR TUESDAY as if that will be all you need to do. PREPARE IN ADVANCE!

IMPORTANT: Use ample amounts of scrap paper and work the problems as if they were open-ended rather than multiple choice.

I found a mistake in one of the problems (Benchmark Test 2 #16), if you think you find others, let me know.

The packet includes questions from our next unit, so you can EXCLUDE pg 28-30 #19-30 from your list.

Another good resource for studying is your old tests... look at the mistakes you made and double-check that you now understand. If you have a question on ANY PROBLEM we have done this year to this point, feel free to ask NOW!!

hw #5-7 Algebra is our LIFE!

hw#5-7: Due Thurs Jan 20th
HOMEWORK
SMORGASBORD!!

pg 338-39 #9,10,18,19

For the UNIT TEST, you should IMMERSE yourself in pages 348-353. You don't have do to every problem, but YOU DO HAVE TO KNOW HOW TO DO EVERY PROBLEM!!

AND, you should know where to ask questions if you need help.

For those so inclined, now would be a good time to look at pages 354-356... it's a GOOD START for the mid-term review.

hw #5-6 Absolute Value Graphs & Transformations

HOW LOW CAN YOU GO??

pg 344-46
#1-5 All
#11- 41 Odd
#50-53 All
Extra credit for the first few good explanations of #41 on the blog!

MANDATORY READ AHEAD (well, kinda behind, we skipped this) !!!
READ PAGES 333-37 AND WATCH THE SCATTERPLOT VIDEO TUTORS ON MATHCHAMBER!
pg 337-38 #1-7 ALL

hw #5-5 Parallel, Perpendicular, and Direct Variation

hw #5-5
pg 330-32 #1-4 All
                 #7-35 Odd
pg 302-03 # 1-5 All
                 #9-14 All
                 #30-34 All

hw #5-4 Get Ready for the QUIZ!

hw #5-4
a) Problem Set 5B
b) pg 323-325 #3-42 mult of 3

hw #5-3 Point-Slope Form... aka "My Cousin Vinnie"

hw #5-3
pg 316 #1-7 All
            #9-33 Odd

P.S. Since you have a QUIZ on Friday, you should be able to answer EVERY QUESTION in the mid-chapter quiz (pg 319) EXCEPT FOR #7-9, which we will cover next week. Might as well take a look at it sooner than later (you're welcome!)