Study Guide Chp. 3 Assessment

1. Measures of Central Tendency
     ---Mean, Median, Mode, & Range are all ways to measure/describe/analyze a set of data
     ---Mean: Average // Median: Middle # // Mode: # that appears most often // Range: Highest - lowest

2. Formulas
    ---To solve a formula, simply plug in what you know (the numbers you are given) and solve for what you don't know (the unknown variable).
 
3. Solving Equations with Decimals
     ---Solve these the same way we solve equations with whole numbers - perform the inverse operation to solve for the variable.
     ---Remember to line up the decimals if you’re adding or subtracting, and NOT to line up the decimals  if multiplying or dividing.
   ---Don’t forget your integer rules!!! Review adding and subtracting with negatives!

Chapter 2 Study Guide

Distributive Property: Know how to distribute by multiplying what's on the outside of the parentheses to the items inside the parentheses separately. For example, 3(6 + 2) is distributed as 3(6) + 3(2), which gives us 18 + 6 = 24.

Simplifying variable expressions: Remember to:
1) Change any subtracting to adding a negative
2) Combine like terms
For example: To simplify 2x + 3y - 2y + 7, we first rewrite the expression without subtraction:
2x + 3y + -2y + 7
Then, combine like terms:
2x + y + 7

Solving Equations: This is the big one! Remember to do the opposite to both sides in order to get the variable by itself! Check out previous examples in the blog. Just type "equations" in the search bar, top left, and several posts will come up. Look back through your notes and examples.

Inequalities: Study your notes on inequalities - graphing AND naming them from a graph. Remember that a closed dot is used to indicate a possible solution, while an open dot is used to indicate a non-solution.

Solving One-Step Equations Review

http://www.math-play.com/One-Step-Equation-Game.html

http://www.math-play.com/soccer-math-one-step-equations-game/one-step-equations-game.html

http://www.xpmath.com/forums/arcade.php?do=play&gameid=105

http://www.quia.com/quiz/640482.html?AP_rand=179254155

https://www.mangahigh.com/en-us/games/algebrameltdown

http://passyworldofmathematics.com/equations-games/

Chapter 1 Study Guide

Hello everyone. Don't forget your Chapter 1 Assessment is Tuesday. Here's what will be on the test:

Variable Expressions
- You'll need to know how to write variable expressions for word phrases. For example:
Write a variable expression for a number n increased by 5.
Well, if we're starting with an unknown number (n) and we're increasing by 5, we must be adding. So n + 5 would be our variable expression.

Order of Operations
***Please remember that you should be using the correct order of operations for any math problem you complete - not just problems that specify that you need to "use order of operations to..."***
- Use PEMDAS
- Remember that MULTIPLICATION and DIVISION  are on the same level and are performed LEFT to RIGHT
- Remember that ADDITION and SUBTRACTION are also on the same level and are performed LEFT to RIGHT

Evaluating Expressions
- To evaluate an expression, substitute a number for each variable. Then solve using order of operations.
Example:
Evaluate 3x + 4 for x = 5. 
1. First, we plug the value in for x: 3 x 5 + 4
2. Next, we multiply: 15 + 4
3. Finally, we add: 19
And voila. We've evaluated the expression.

Integers, Integers, Errry'thang Integers
You'll need to know how to:
- Compare and order integers (remember, as we go further left on the number line, the values decrease; as we go further to the right, the values increase)
- Find the absolute value (remember, absolute values are ALWAYS POSITIVE and absolute value lines act as grouping symbols, just like parentheses)
- Add and subtract with integers
Quick review: Adding with the same sign - add like normal and keep the sign. 
                       Adding with different signs - find the difference of the absolute values and keep the 
                       sign of the "larger" number
                       Subracting: USE KFC (Keep, Flip, Change); then, use your addition rules.
- Multiply and divide with integers
Quick review: When multiplying OR dividing, if both numbers have the same sign, the answer is 
                        ALWAYS POSITIVE
                        If the numbers have different signs, the answer is ALWAYS NEGATIVE

The Coordinate Plane
- Coordinates are (x, y) --- Don't forget, you have to walk into the building before you can take the elevator


Study, study, study your notes! See you Monday!

Study Guide For Quiz WED

Hey guys, here are a few things to remember for your quiz tomorrow. The quiz will cover:

1) Order of operations (PEMDAS) - don't forget that multiplying and dividing are on the same level, and are completed from left to right; same thing for addition and subtraction - they're on the same level and are completed from left to right.

2) Evaluating expressions (just remember to substitute the given value for a variable and then use your order of operations to solve!)

3) Integers and absolute value
- Remember, as you go left on the number line, the value decreases; as you travel right, the value increases.
- Absolute values are always positive - remember, absolute value is the distance of a given number from zero (on the number line)

4) Adding and subtracting integers
- Study your notes for the rules!
- The tricky one for adding integers is when they have different signs. Just remember to find the difference of their absolute values and then keep the sign of the number with the greatest absolute value.
- When subtracting, use the KFC method (keep, flip, change) and remember that once you've turned that subtraction problem into an addition problem, the original subtraction problem disappears!

*You will also be given one question that will ask you to write a variable expression to represent a word phrase. Look back through section 1-1 to review!

Subtracting Integers

Scared of subtraction involving negative integers? Don't be - remember, it's just addition in disguise!

The rule for subtraction is:

Add the OpPoSiTe!


Who likes fried chicken? It's one of my all-time favorites. :)

Img: thebittenword.com

So... what does fried chicken have to do with subtracting integers? Check out this cool chart from passyworldofmathematics.com:


Then, solve your problem as an addition problem. Here are a few examples:

-5 - 3 = ?
-5 + (-3) = -8  ---> Both numbers are the same sign, so we can add like normal and keep the sign.

7 - (-2) = ?
7 + 2 = 9   ---> Again, both numbers are the same sign, so we can add like normal and keep the sign.

4 - 8 = ?
4 + (-8) = ?  ---> Now we've got addition with two different signs, so remember to use your absolute values!
The absolute values are 4 and 8. The difference between 4 and 8 is 4. Now, is it negative or positive? Look at the original number that had the greatest absolute value: -8. Since it's negative, we know the answer is -4.

If you are self-checking subtraction of integers tonight, here are the answers to the Quick Checks from 1-6 (pgs. 30 & 31):

1) a. -5
    b. -1
    c. -3

2) a. -4
    b. -6
    c. 5

3) a. 35
    b. -106
    c. -46

HaPpY SuBtRaCtInG!

Oh, Aunt Sally...

Check out Justin's rendition of what Aunt Sally did:

Homework for WED., 9/2

For tonight's homework, I'd like you to kick back, relax, and watch a video that will introduce you to the material we're covering tomorrow. Please visit the following link on Khan Academy:

https://www.khanacademy.org/math/pre-algebra/order-of-operations/order_of_operations/v/introduction-to-order-of-operations

After the video, there's an option to try some problems by clicking the "Practice this concept" button at the top right. You are not required to do them, but if you'd like to try them, go for it! Many of you are already familiar with the order of operations, and the acronym we use ("PEMDAS" or "Please Excuse my Dear Aunt Sally"). 

After you've watched the video (and mayyyybe tried some problems? :) jot down what you think "Aunt Sally" may have done that put her in a position in which she needs to be "excused." :) We'll share our theories on Aunt Sally tomorrow after the drill! (The drill will cover today's lesson on variables and variable expressions.)

See you tomorrow!

Welcome BACK!

Helllloooooo my lovely mathlings! Welcome back! Are you ready to get into some Algebra?!

This post will be your lesson for Tuesday if I'm not here.

1) First, please watch the following videos on the Smartboard as a class:

https://www.khanacademy.org/math/algebra/introduction-to-algebra/variable-and-expressions/v/what-is-a-variable

https://www.khanacademy.org/math/algebra/introduction-to-algebra/variable-and-expressions/v/what-is-a-variable

2) Next, grab a Pre-Algebra book off the shelf (they're the blue ones!). Read through pages 4 and 5 in your textbook individually. Be sure to read through the examples, too! The main points we should take away from this chapter are:

- A variable is a letter that stands for a number.

- A variable expression is a mathematical phrase that uses variables, numbers, and operation symbols (operation symbols are things like the plus sign, minus sign, division sign, etc.)

- You can express a mathematical concept using variable expressions - see the chart on pg. 5. For example:
Let's say I've just returned from the grocery store. I've purchased several packages of brownies. There are four brownies in each pack. I can use a variable expression to display how many brownies I've eaten! If "b" stands for  packs of brownies, I can express the number of brownies I've eaten as b x 4, or 4b. Then all I have to do is plug in the number of packs for "b" and I know how many I've eaten! (If I've eaten 3 packs, I would express this as (3 x 4) and my total brownies eaten would equal 12 :)

Sidenote: I really, really want some brownies now.

(thewakingezine.wordpress.com)

3) Turn to one of the sections in your 3-subject math notebook and record the two key terms above and their definitions. Then, include in your notes an example that will help you - either one from the textbook or the one above. You can write this example out however you'd like to - keep it short and simple, make it long and detailed, or use pictures - whatever works for you!

4) With your group (the people at your table) - work together to complete pg. 6:

#s 4-12 and #s 18-20. Make sure all names are included on your group's page (you need only one) and then turn in your work (gray "PreAlgebra" bin up front). 

See you soon!

Friday's Assignment

Pick 25 questions from the remaining chapter reviews we haven't completed (remember, your final includes chapters 1 through 5).

Answer those questions (be sure to show all work - go step-by-step). Please turn your work in at the end of class.

We will continue to review on Monday.

Final Study Guide 2015

Final Study Guide

Hello all. Here's a quick rundown of the concepts you'll need to review for your final. Remember, we'll be working on review questions in class all week, so you'll know exactly what type of problems to expect on the real final. There are 37 questions. Please look over your notes from this year and make sure you study the assignments from this week. If you’re struggling with a particular concept, now is the time to ask – I’m more than happy to help! Also, don’t forget that your online textbook has some great resources for studying, like the Quick Checks for each chapter section.

Stuff you need to know:

- Remember the order of operations (PEMDAS) for ALL questions you answer

- Integer operations

- The coordinate plane (identifying coordinates of a given point – walk into the building before you        take the elevator!)

- Simplifying expressions (don’t forget – you can only add or subtract when there are like terms)
- Prime Factorization and GCF
- Exponent rules

 - Scientific and standard notation
- Comparing and ordering fractions/decimals

- Changing decimals to fractions and fractions to decimals
- Fractions operations

- Solving one-step equations

Take a breath and don’t stress – it’s the home stretch! Do your best. J

Practice for tomorrow's quiz

http://www.mathplayground.com/fractions_mult.html

http://www.mathplayground.com/fractions_div.html

Chp. 4 Assessment FRI

Hello Pre-Algebra folks. I just wanted to give you a quick run-down of the major concepts that will be on your assessment Friday. (We will continue reviewing tomorrow.)

The first part of the test will cover exponents, greatest common factor (GCF), and simplifying fractions. Here are a few helpful links to previous posts. Please look through these and refresh your memory on these concepts:

Exponents (here's a helpful post from the Transitional Math blog - ignore the questions and just check out the summary of exponents): http://tlsmath6.blogspot.com/2014/09/thursday-94.html

GCF: http://tlsprealgebra6.blogspot.com/2013/12/finding-gcf-through-prime-factorization.html

Simplifying Fractions: Just remember to keep "dividing down" until your fraction is simplified. You can also find the GCF of the numerator and denominator, and then divide the top and bottom by the GCF.

The second part of the test will cover simplifying expressions with exponents (please review your exponent rules - I've posted a helpful chart below from math-play.com) and scientific notation. For your questions on scientific notation, you will be asked to express a given number in scientific notation and then asked to express a number which is already in scientific notation in standard form.



Happy studying!

Study Guide - Chp. 3 Assessment

Hello mathlings. Be sure to study for our Chapter 3 assessment on Wednesday! :) Calculators will be allowed for most of the test. Bring one to class. The only section on which you will not be able to use a calculator is adding and subtracting decimals.
Please read the following very carefully:
Each answer will be worth TWO points. 
1 point will be given for the correct answer.
1 point will be given for showing your work IF your work is labeled with the corresponding number and if I can read your work.

What's going to be on the test?

There will not be any questions from sections 1 or 2; however, please keep the principles of rounding and estimating in mind as you may need to round an answer to the nearest place-value. It's always, always, always a good idea to estimate your answer before doing the actual math - that way you have a benchmark to look back on and compare your answer. If it's way different than your estimate, you may want to redo the problem.


Questions on the test will be based on what we covered in sections 3 through 6:

3-3: Measures of Central Tendency 
- Mean: Add 'em up and divide by how many pieces of data you have (also known as the average)
- Median: First, order the data from least to greatest; then, find the middle number (or the mean of the two middle numbers if there are two)
- Mode: The number(s) which appear most often
- Range: Highest value - lowest value
- Outliers: Any number that's much, much lower or higher than the rest of the data

3-4: Solving Forumlas
- You will be given the formula in order to solve; you don't need to memorize any formulas.
- Plug in the values that you have for the corresponding variables
- Solve for the unknown
-Remember to include your units

3-5 and 3-6: Solving Equations with Decimals
The rules for solving equations with decimals are the same for solving equations with whole numbers. The goal is still to get the variable by itself.
1. Figure out "what's happening" to the variable.
2. Do the opposite of that to both sides of the equation.
3. Remember your integer rules, especially if you aren't using a calculator.

Adding and Subtracting Decimals:
If you still have the worksheet on which we practiced adding and subtracting decimals, look over that to study. Otherwise make sure you take notes tomorrow in class while we review. Remember when you add/subtract decimals that you:
1. Line up the decimals
2. Carry the decimal down before you solve
3. Solve the problem as though there are no decimals. Your decimal will already be correctly placed in your answer.

See you tomorrow! Bring your smarticles!