Mrs. Shumaker's Math Blog

Algebra: How do you simplify expressions?

We reviewed the rules for multiplying integers and variables as well as the distributive property.  These rules will be extremely important as we work to solve equations.

Pre-Algebra Block 3: How do you order and compare real numbers?

We practiced writing numbers in decimal form and using this form to help order sets of numbers.

Pre-Algebra Block 4: What is a ratio?

Unit 2 will cover ratios, proportions & percents.  Today we talked about the foundation of this unit–a RATIO.  A ratio compares two numbers using division.

Algebra: How do you perform calculations with real numbers and variables?

We reviewed for the Chapter 2 Test, which will be tomorrow.

Pre-Algebra: What are the rules for computing with integers?

We finished our review for the unit 1 test, which will be tomorrow.

Algebra: How do you multiply and divide real numbers?

2.5-2.7 Quizzes were returend in class today.  Students had the opportunity to review their answers and make corrections in an effort to better understand the rules for multiplying and dividing real numbers and variables.  A ReQuiz will be offered on Wednesday for any student wishing to improve their grade.

Pre-Algebra:What are the order of operations?

We continued to work with the order of operations used in simplifying expressions.  The sentence: “Please Excuse My Dear Aunt Sally” is a trick to help remember the actual order of operations:

Parentheses; Exponents; Multiply OR Divide (work from left to right); Add OR Subtract (work from left to right)

Algebra: What are the rules for multiplying real numbers?

When multiplying two real numbers with different signs, the product will be negative.  When multiplying two real numbers with the same sign, the product will be positive.  These rules can be applied to integers, fractions, decimals and variables.

Pre-Algebra:No Class–7th Grade Field Trip!

Algebra: What are the rules for adding integers?  How do you use integer addition to solve real-world problems?

We concluded our lesson on integer addition rules today, focusing on making integer connections to real-world problems.  Numeric values in everyday life can be represented by either positive (gain, increase, growth) or negative (loss, decrease) numbers.

Pre-Algebra:What are the rules for dividing integers? 

We learned how to determine the sign of integer division problems today.  These are the same rules we follow for integer multiplication.  When dividing two integers with different signs, the quotient is negative.  For two integers with the same sign, the quotient is positive.

Algebra: We started chapter 2, section 1 yesterday.  Today’s class work continued practice with this section.  Topics included comparing and order real numbers.  We also looked at the concepts of absolute value and velocity v. speed.

Pre-Algebra: We concluded our review of adding and subtracting integers today.   

Algebra:We began our work with Study Island today.  We learned about the assignments feature in Study Island, which allows us to focus on specific topics in Study Island.  Remember–you should only be working on topics that have been assigned to you.  If you have a blue ribbon in all assigned topics then work with First in Math instead of Study Island.

Pre-Algebra:Students completed a quiz on adding and subtracting integers today.  Following the quiz we spent some time completing our Study Island PreTest for 7th grade.  This will allow students to access topics in Study Island for the year.  Students were also introduced to the idea of assignments in Study Island, which help to focus on specific topics. Remember–you should only be working on topics that have been assigned to you.  If you have a blue ribbon in all assigned topics then work with First in Math instead of Study Island.

Algebra:What are the foundations of Algebra?

Students completed their chapter 1 test today.  Scores will be posted by the end of the weekend.

Pre-Algebra:How do you use integer subtraction to solve word problems?

After learning about the rules for subtracting integers, we worked today with using integer subtraction to solve real-world problems.  Remember that order is important in subtraction problems so it is necessary to read the problems carefully to determine how to set up your work.

Algebra:What are the foundations of Algebra?

We used today’s class to review concepts from chapter 1 in preparation for tomorrow’s first test.  Key topics to review include: evaluating expression; writing and evaluating exponential form; order of operations; checking solutions of equations and inequalities; modeling situations using algebraic expressions and reading graphs.

Pre-Algebra: How do you subtract integers?

We continued to practice with the concept of subtracting integers.  Our key rule to remember for subtracting is KFC!  Keep the first number, flip the subtract to addition, change the 2nd number to its opposite.  Then follow the adding rules.