Tuesday, December 16, 2008

Tuesday December 16

We continue to plug away on Chapter 7 (algebra). Yesterday, we learned a technique for factoring trinomials (the "cross" method). We will try to complete the chapter during the next two classes, with a test on Thursday.

Also on Thursday, you will be given a supplementary (optional) assignment that can be completed during the holiday break.....it will give you the opportunity to ADD marks to your average! Take advantage of the opportunity, it can only help your mark. I will give you details on Thursday.

Later,
Mr. P.

Tuesday, December 9, 2008

Tuesday December 9

Sorry for the delay, it happens some time!

Last week, students enjoyed their opportunity to write two tests on parabolas/quadratic equations. It seems as if the second time was a charm, because students on average did a lot bettter on it. Congratulations to Leandro, who attained the highest mark on this test! Also, I also want to hand out kudos to Junior, who definitely won the Most Improved Award!

This week, we have gone on to a review of basic algebra. Students seem to be working better, and are understanding the material.

We only have less than two weeks left before the Christmas Break, and less than three weeks available in the New Year. USE THEM WISELY!

Later,
Mr. P.

Friday, November 28, 2008

Friday November 28

Yesterday, we completed work on Chapter 6. Students are expected to be able to use first and second differences to calculate missing values for quadratic equations. Also, you should be able to sketch graphs in the form y = ax^2 + c.

We will be having a Chapter 6 test on Monday.

Have a good weekend.

Mr. P.

Tuesday, November 25, 2008

Monday November 24

Last week, we completed Chapter 5 and had two attempts at wrinting tests....the first attempt was very poor, so that students were given a second chance. Once again, congratulations to Jessica, who continues to attain the highest mark on tests! Also, kudos to Sean, who is starting to consistently achieve the results he is capable of.

The last couple of classes have been spent beginning work on a new topic, namely Quadratic Equations and Parabolas. On Monday, we spent time in the computer lab, looking at variations of the equation y=x^2. Students completed questions in Section 6.1, dealing with the concept of second differences. In quadratic equations, second differences are always the same value.

Tomorrow's class will continue work with Section 6.2, and we will look at other forms of the quadratic equation.

See you then.
Mr. P.

Friday, November 14, 2008

Friday November 14

Just a little note to let you know that the test scheduled for Monday has been postponed until Tuesday, because a few students from the class are going to be involved with an assembly at Beatrice Campus.

On Monday, we will have a quick review, and move onto some new material.

See you then!

Mr. P.

Thursday, November 13, 2008

Thursday November 13

Sorry for the delay in posting...things were crazy in school last week, with field trips etc.

First of all, congratulations to Jessica for achieving the highest mark on the last quiz! Unfortunately, many students did poorly on the quiz, and I think that the lack of work in class is catching up to them. Class work and homework needs to be done on a regular basis!!

There will be a Chapter 5 test on Monday. Today, students will have one last opportunity to receive help with their math problems.

enjoy your long weekend!

Mr. P.

Friday, October 31, 2008

Friday October 31

First of all, congratulations to Sean for getting a PERFECT mark on his Chapter 3 test.....well done!! Also, Michael did extremely well on the test, achieving a mark over 90%.

Yesterday, students were introduced to the acronym SOHCAHTOA. We looked at examples of solving triangles using the TAN ratio. Students were shown how to label triangles for hypotenuse, opposite and adjacent.

The homework from Wednesday was Pages 244 to 245, #7 to #11.
The homework from Thursday was Pages 254 to 255, #1 to #6.
Today's homework is Pages 255 to 256, #7 to #13.

On Monday, you will be given a quiz on Similar Triangles and the TAN ratio.

Study hard this weekend!

Mr. P.

Wednesday, October 29, 2008

Tuesday October 28

The last two classes have been spent learning about similar triangles.

The assigned questions from the textbook were:
Pages 236 to 238, #6 to #11
Pages 243 to 244, #1 to #6

Please keep up with your homework!

Later,
Mr. P.

Thursday, October 23, 2008

Thursday October 23

Today, we had a test on Chapter 3. From my initial observations, I could tell that many students had difficulties with the test. In some cases, it would have been simply a simple error causing the problem. However, there are still quite a few students who are not putting sufficient effort into
their studies.

Twenty to thirty minutes of homework a night are generally required for students in this course. If you are having difficulties, you need to put in the time. Also, please take advantage of the after-school Math Clinics available to you, usually two nights a week.

Have a good weekend!

Mr. P.

Tuesday, October 21, 2008

Tuesday October 21

For the last few days, students have been working on solving linear systems. The Chapter 3 test will be on Thursday.

The assigned questions from the remainder of the Chapter are:
Pages 144 to 145, #8 to #13
Pages 149 to 151, #1 to #12

Tomorrow, we will be going to Mass during Period 3.

Good luck!

Mr. P.

Thursday, October 16, 2008

Thursday October 16

For the last two days, we have been working on solving equations using the method of elimination. The assigned homework has been Pages 136 to 137, #2 to #10.

Today, we will be working on Section 3.4. The questions assigned will be Pages 143 to 144, #2 to #7.

Have a good day!

Mr. P.

Tuesday, October 14, 2008

Tuesday October 14

Today, we are continuing to work on solving linear systems. The system of elimination, which will be demonstrated in class, is an alternative method of solving equations.

The homework is Page 136, #2 to #6.

Make sure that you are spending the appropriate time outside of the classroom working on improving your math skills!

Mr. P.

Thursday, October 9, 2008

Thursday October 9

Sorry for the lack of posts in the last week, I'll try to get here more often!

Currently, we are working on Chapter 3 in the textbook, which deals with solving linear systems. So far, we have worked with solving linear systems through graphing (Section 3.1...pg. 120-121 #1 to #4), and solving systems through the method of substitution (Section 3.2...pg. 129-130 #1 to #11).

On Friday, we will be having a quiz on graphical solutions and substitution. Please use this quiz as an opportunity to raise your marks. So far, the test results have been disappointing, and I am looking for improvement.

Have a good day!
Mr. P.

Tuesday, September 30, 2008

Tuesday September 30

Today, students were given the opportunity to work on the Review Section of Chapter 2.
They were assigned Pages 108 to 111, #1 - #5 and #8 - #13.

The quizzes were given back today, and they were mostly disappointing. Students need to keep up with their homework assignments, and to ask questions about any problems they are having.

Tomorrow, there will be a test on Chapter 2.

Study hard tonight!

Mr. P.

Thursday, September 25, 2008

Wednesday September 24

For the last few classes, we have worked on gaining a better understanding of equations in the form y=mx+b. We have taken the concept from theoretical, to applying the idea to real life situations.

During the last few classes, students have been assigned the following questions:
Pages 58 to 61, #1-#11
Page 66, #2-#9
Pages 72 to 74, #1-#14

In general, I am noticing that students continue to show weakness with the basic math skills of addition, subtraction, multiplication and division. Please try and find the time to work on improving these skills. Students should be spending an average of about fifteen to twenty minutes a night on math work, or about three hours a week.

We are coming up towards the end of this chapter. I will be giving a short quiz on Chapter 2 on Friday, and there will be a Chapter 2 test next Tuesday or Wednesday. I will announce this on Friday.

Mr. P.

Friday, September 19, 2008

Thursday September 18

We spent almost the entire class reinforcing the concepts involved with the equation y = mx + b. Students were shown many examples of equations in that form, and shown how the equation relates to the graph. The "m" value is the slope, and the "b" value is the y-intercept.

When given an equation in the form y = mx + b, use the "b" value to locate the y-intercept. Then, use the slope to find a second point on the line.

Students were assigned Questions #1 and #2 on page 58.

Students are also reminded to make sure that they have brought in their book deposit.

Thanks
Mr. P.

Wednesday, September 17, 2008

Wednesday September 17

Yesterday, students worked on their first assignments from the textbook. We started working on the concepts of Relations and Functions.

Students were assigned Pages 58 and 59, Questions 1 to 6.

There are still quite a few students who have not submitted their book deposits. Please remember to bring it in ASAP.

Friday, September 12, 2008

Thursday September 11

During Thursday's class, students were given their first test. Overall, the results were very disappointing. Students particularly seemed to have difficulty with fractions.

On Friday, students will be going to the computer lab to work on the online worksheets found at www.aplusmath.com.

On Monday, there will be a second test on basic math skills.

Have a good weekend!

Mr. P.

Tuesday, September 9, 2008

Tuesday, September 10

Yesterday, students were given worksheets on Order of Operations, and Fractions. We will continue working on worksheets through Wednesday.

On Thursday, there will be a first test on basic arithmetic. Calculators will NOT be allowed!

Students are reminded to bring in their $10 deposit for their textbook.

Friday, September 5, 2008

Friday September 5

Today, students were taken into the computer lab to work on math problems online. The first site visited was www.aplusmath.com. It is suggested that you use this site from home, and continue to hone your skills.

Have a good weekend!

Mr. P.

Thursday, September 4, 2008

September 4, 2008

Welcome to the newAcademic Year! As we begin the course this year, students are being given the opportunity to brush up on their basic arithmetic skills. We are working on basic skills WITHOUT a calculator!! Start using your brain, and you will find the Math course a lot less challenging.

Good luck!!

Mr. P.

Monday, June 2, 2008

Monday June 2

Tomorrow, there will be a Chapter 7 Test. Last Friday, students were given a quiz, and there were still many disappointing marks.

Two weeks left in the course......a little extra effort now could savea month in summer school!

Mr. P.

Monday, May 26, 2008

Monday May 26

Today, we continued working on basic algebra. I introduced the concept of factoring trinomials through the use of a large "X", where the cross helps the student to ensure that the middle term is calculated correctly.

Students were assigned Pages 377 to 378, #5 to #14.

On Friday, the students were previously assigned Pages 371 to 372, #5 to #11

Mr. P.

Wednesday, May 21, 2008

Wednesday May 21

Today, the tests from Friday were returned to the students. Generally, the results were very disappointing......but, congratulations to Steven for receiving the highest mark. Very good improvement!

On Friday, students will be given an opportunity to write a makeup test, I will count the highest mark.

Yesterday and today, the regular part of class involved the review of basic algebra. The concept of terms, expanding and factoring algebraic expressions were covered. Students have been assigned Page 353 #4 to #12, and Pages 358 to 259 #8 to #16.

Please complete the homework, and start preparing for the makeup test!

Mr. P.

Friday, May 16, 2008

Thursday May 15

This week, we spent time learning about the properties of quadratic functions (parabolas). Time was spent in the computer lab on Tuesday, and students were shown how changes to the equation y = x ^2 affect the shape of the graph.

Students will have a test on graphing parabolas on Friday. There will also be questions on second differences.

Mr. P.

Monday, May 12, 2008

Monday May 12

Today, students were given the following quadratic equations

y = x^2
y = x^2 +3
y = -x^2
y = x^2 - 3
y = -x^2 + 3

They were asked to fill in a table of values for all x values from -4 to 4. The table of values included x, y, first difference, and second difference. Then, students were asked to graph these parabolas.

The purpose of this exercise was to help students uncerstand the effect of changing values in the base equation y = x^2.

Tomorrow, we will be going to the computer lab.

Later,
Mr. P.

Friday, May 9, 2008

Friday May 9

The Chapter 5 tests were given back today. Congratulations to Melanie for achieving the highest mark on the test...well done!

I met with each student individually today, and discussed their progress in the course. In general, there has been improvement. Remember, we are getting into the home stretch, so keep working diligently!

Finally, we reviewed the concept of second differences as it relates to parabolas/quadratic equations. It appears as if most students do understand the general idea. Please complete the homework questions from yesterday, and be ready to continue learning more about parabolas next week.

Have a good weekend,

Mr. P.

Thursday, May 8, 2008

Thursday May 8

After yesterday's test, we are now beginning work on Parabolas (Quadratic equations). Students were shown the Step Pattern of Parabolas, which involves first and second differences. Parabolas have second differences that are the same.

The homework assigned is Pages 307 and 308, #1 to #7.

I also checked the homework in class today. Only nine students received a passing grade on their homework. The majority of students still do not complete homework. It is necessary that you do so!!

See you tomorrow,
Mr. P.

Monday, May 5, 2008

Monday May 5

Today, we looked at the last section in Chapter 5. The assigned homework questions are Pages 281 to 283, #1 to #7.

These questions deal with solving problems using two triangles, instead of just one. The concepts involved are identical to what we have been working on for the last week or two.....use SOHCAHTOA to solve the triangles in the problem.

There will be a final test on Chapter 5 during Wednesday's class.

Complete your assignments, and there shouldn't be anything to worry about.

Mr. P.

Friday, May 2, 2008

Friday May 2

The students who were in class today wrote the test on SOHCAHTOA. Since only approximately half of the students were there today, that means that the remainder will be writing the test on Monday. Please prepare yourselves accordingly.

The remainder of the class was spent working on a couple of math brain teasers. I hope you enjoyed them!

Have a good weekend,
Mr. P.

Thursday May 1

Students have a work period for the SOHCAHTOA questions. Additional questions assigned are PAges 273 to 275, #1 to #15

There will be a small test on Friday covering SIN,COS, and TAN.

Bring your calculator!

Mr. P.

Tuesday, April 29, 2008

Tuesday April 29

Today was a work period. We continued working on SOHCAHTOA.

The homework assignment is Pages 268 to 270, #1 to #15.

Please try and bring a calculator tomorrow, if you still haven't brought one.

Mr. P.

Monday, April 28, 2008

Monday April 28

Last Thursday and Friday were Faith Days at Dante, and students were not taught any new lessons. Hopefully you used the time to get caught up on your geometry questions.

I gave back the tests on similar triangles, and congratulations to Jacob for receiving the highest mark. There were also many other marks that were improved; let'e hope this is a trend.

One thing I noticed today was the lack of students with calculators. In a class of 21 students, there were only 7 calculators available. On your next test you will not be able to share calculators, so it is very important that you come to class with the proper equipment.

Homework was assigned from the next section, Pages 259 to 261, #1 to #7,#9,#10.

Study hard,
Mr. P.

Wednesday, April 23, 2008

Wednesday, April 23

Students wrote the test during the first half of class. After the test, I went over the solution to one of the questions from the test.

The remainder of class was spent reviewing the concept of SOHCAHTOA. I think that students will find this section much easier if they are able to memorize and understand this acronym.

No homework tonight, we will start into some more examples of SOHCAHTOA tomorrow.

Mr. P.

Tuesday, April 22

Today, we had an assembly regarding the Spring Interact Raffle. Students spent the remaining time in class working on the questions for similar triangles. Once again, I noticed that most students are behind in their homework.

Study hard for the test tomorrow!

Mr. P.

Monday, April 21, 2008

Monday April 21, 2008

During today's class, we continued working on questions using similar triangles. Students were assigned Pg. 245, #7 to #12.

Unfortunately, there are still students in the class who are not doing any work outside of the classroom. If you didn't open your book since last class, it meant that it has been almost 100 hours since you last worked on your math!

There will be a test on Similar Triangles on Wednesday.

Thursday, April 17, 2008

Thursday April 17

Today, we looked at problem-solving using similar triangles. Students were shown real life examples involving similar triangles. The remainder of class was used by students to work on the homework, which is Pages 243 to 244, #1 to #6.

I checked homework today, and basically only one student had completed the homework. Two other students did some of the homework, and the remainder of the students did little or no homework. You need to spend more time on your studies!

Out of the twenty-five students on the class list, six students were late and eight students were absent today.......this makes it difficult for everyone.

Have a nice long weekend, and get caught up on your homework!

Mr. P.

Wednesday, April 16, 2008

Wednesday April 16

Today, I gave back the tests that were written on Monday. Generally, I was very disappointed with the results. One notable exception was Jeffrey, who received the highest mark in the class. Congratulations, Jeffrey!

Students were once again encouraged to complete their homework assignments, because the test results show little evidence of such work.

I checked to see whether any students had attended the after school Math Clinic on Tuesday. No one from the class had gone.

In the textbook, I assigned Questions #6 to #11 on Pages 236 to 238. These questions deal with similar triangles, and I had forgotten to assign them before we started working on SOHCAHTOA. Students need practice with similar triangles, because there are many situations in real life that make use of them. It was encouraging to see groups of students working on the problems, and staying on task. There were a few questions, and I hope that I answered them all!

Please work on completing the homework questions, and bring any remaining problems to class tomorrow, where we will take them up.

Have a good day,
Mr. P.

Tuesday, April 15, 2008

Tuesday April 15

During today's class, I introduced the term SOHCAHTOA.....used with right angled triangles. Hopefully, the completion of homework (Pg. 254 to 255, #1 to #8) will reinforce the concepts learned in class.

On another note, I continue to be frustrated with the numbers of lates and absences. Today, there were five absences and six lates. Daniel, Bryan, Amanda and Abiel were among that group, and it is becoming a regular problem with them.

Report cards were handed out today....please make sure that they are taken home. Parent-teacher interviews will be taking place on Thursday evening. I looked at the report cards, and by and large most students have their lowest mark in Math. This means that you need to spend more time on this subject. Don't give up; I believe that you are all intelligent enough to learn and understand the material. But, it does take some effort on your part!!

Students were also reminded of the after-school Math Clinic, taking place in Room 412. Please take advantage of it!

Be on time for tomorrow.

Mr. P.

Monday, April 14, 2008

Monday April 14

Today is the first day for this blog....I will try to put information here about my Period 1 Grade 10 Applied Math Class. Hopefully, students will be able to use this to stay informed when they are absent. Also, parents/guardians are welcome to view this, and stay informed as to the progress of the class. Anyways, here goes.....

Today, students were given their final test on Chapter 3. Once again, there was a sense of disappointment on my part, since I felt that many students seemed unprepared. Some of the comments before the test suggested that some students did not work on their Math over the weekend.

After the test, we began work on Chapter 5, which deals with Trigonometry. We reviewed the general properties of triangles, and I assigned Pages 235 to Page 236, #1 to #5. Hopefully, student will complete this for homework.

That's it for today!
Mr. P.