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!
