Tuesday, December 13, 2011

12/13/11

Yesterday in math, we continued our journey through algebra.  We worked on subtraction equations.  For example...to solve the following equations, here are the steps you would take.
x - 6 = 10
Step 1: Isolate the variable.  You want to get the x by itself, so you have to get rid of the six.  In order to do that you would add 6, which would leave the x by itself.
Step 2:  You must do the same thing to both sides of the equation to keep them equal...so you would add 6 to 10 and get 16.
Therefore, x = 16. .

Today we are going to move on to multiplication problems.  We will spend a little more time with this than we did the last one because it gets a little confusing when dealing with fractions.  Here is an example:

(1/2)x = 1/3
Step 1: Isolate the variable.  In order to get x by itself, you need to get rid of the 1/2.  In the equation, you are multiplying by 1/2, so you would divide by 1/2 to get rid of it, which would leave you with just x on the left side of the equation.
Step 2:  You must do the same thing to the other side, so you have 1/3 divided by 1/2.  Remember:  Dividing by any number is the same as multiplying by its reciprocal, so it would be the same as 1/3 times 2/1 which gives you 2/3.
Therefore, x = 2/3.

In social studies we have one more lesson to do.  It is still going to be focusing on ancient civilizations.

In math, I have given the kids a huge math assignment that will be due on Friday.  They will have their entire class period to work on it on Thursday.  I have told them that they are allowed to complete 1/2 of it at home before Thursday, but not more than that so that they are not bored and giving my sub a hard time on Thursday.  The assignment is their review, or study guide, for the December Diagnostic.  That test will be given on Friday and finished on Monday if they still need extra time.

Do not forget that we have early dismissal on Friday, Monday, and Tuesday.

Have a great day!

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