Looking back so that we may look ahead...

Chapter 5 has incorporated concepts from all of the previous chapters. It uses the integer rules from Chapter 2. It adds and subtracts like terms (in fractional form) and solves equations…all based from Chapter 3. It also extends our work with monomials (Chapter 4) by multiplying and dividing them.

As you may have noticed, mathematics is like building a house. You have to have a foundation in order to continue building the next level. If there are foundational gaps, we can sometimes fill them in as we go along, but at other times, these gaps can cause an entire section of the house to collapse.

Answer the following questions in complete sentences. You may do this in three different posts or all in one post.

1) Do you still have foundational gaps in your mathematical knowledge? (aka: Are there concepts that you still do not understand?) If so, what are they? Be honest.

2) Look ahead to Chapter 6. Pick at least two sections and discuss how you think you will need to incorporate knowledge from Chapter 2-5. Be specific.

3) This was the first time you had to study for a mathematics final. How did you study for the final? Do you think you were prepared? What should you have done differently?

Looking Back at Chapter 4...

Look over the lessons in Chapter 4. Why do you think the editors of this textbook put all of this material together in one chapter? What connects all of the lessons? Are there any lessons in Chapter 4 that do not fit in the chapter? Also, do you think other lessons could be added to this chapter? If so, which ones, and why? If not, why not?

(Yes, there are many questions to answer here. You will be graded on your ability to produce well-reasoned answers.)

LCD Riddle

"We are two simplified fractions. Our LCD is 12. Our denominators are consecutive integers. The numerator and denominator of one of us has a difference of 3. The other fraction is greater than 50%. Who are we?"

Now it's your turn to make the riddle. Begin yours with "We are two simplified fractions. Our LCD is..." Then continue to give clues that will lead the reader to discover your two simplified fractions.

Be creative with your clues! Make sure that only two fractions are possible answers, and remember, no improper fractions for this activity. Good luck!

Equation #1

Equation #2

Equation #3

Equation #4

Equation #5

Equation #6

Equation #7

Equation #8

Equation #9

Equation #10

Difficult Equations

We will be solving equations all year long, and this will continue throughout all of your future mathematics courses.

1. Out of all of the equations we've solved in this chapter, what is the most difficult type for you to solve? (If everything feels easy to you, what do you think is the most difficult out of the easier problems?)

2. Now invent an equation that you think would be tough for most of the students in the class to solve. Then solve it. Be very careful to make sure that you write the equation correctly using the keyboard. Post the equation and its solution in this same blog.

Pre-Algebra Class Reflection

Answer the following questions in complete sentences:

1. Have you learned anything new in the first two chapters, or has all of this been review for you?

2. Do you feel like Mr. Jobe prepares you well for the quizzes and tests?

3. What has been your favorite part about math class so far? What has been your least favorite part?

4. What suggestions do you have to improve this class?

Invent a Review Game

Invent a new review game for the end of a chapter. How would it be structured? Would there be a clearly-defined winner? Make sure this game incorporates everyone in the class, where everyone is actively reviewing the material on some level.