Exploring Mathematics

This 7-slide powerpoint presentation is designed as for use in an Algebra I classroom as an introduction to solving literal equations (solving for a specific variable when multiple variables appear). Slides 2 and 4 are used as whole-class examples where the new equations are solved side-by-side with more familiar equations that involve only one variable. The teacher can work back-and-forth between the two problems using the familiar to inform what should be done next in the new. This also g

This solving equations flow map turns the steps of solving an equation into a visual process. This can be used as a teacher guide while the whole-class works to create the flow map together, as a review prior to an assessment, or as a reference in higher-level courses where students are expected to already know how to solve multi-step equations. If you download and like this product, please take a few moments to rate it.

To help students organize information and begin to study for the test at the end of our expressions and equations unit, I created this list of 'info to know'. The list consists of 19 pieces of information that students need to know to be able to solve the types of problems on the test (identifying coefficients and constants, simplifying numerical and algebraic expressions, solving one-step through multi-step equations, and writing equations from story problems). However, the 19 items have seve

*Designed to be used with TI-83 or TI-83+ calculators The activity guides students through using graphing calculators to graph and solve four quadratic functions. Questions are designed to teach students how to relate the information in a table for a quadratic function to its graph with a focus on using the graph to solve the quadratic equation. Examples address four types of possible solutions (two integer solutions, two non-integer solutions, one integer solution, and no solution). If you

These interactive notes teach students the vocabulary of quadratic functions and their graphs as well as insight into how the a and c values of basic quadratics of the form y=x^2+c impact how a parabola looks. Notes begin by having students sort a list of quadratic functions into linear, quadratic, and other. Then, vocabulary such as parabola, vertex, maximum, minimum, and axis-of symmetry is introduced. Next, students to look at equations and their graphs to deduce how changes in a and c c

These scaffolded, self-guided notes teach students to solve both linear and quadratic algebraic proportions. I typically have students work with a partner to complete these, and students are only allowed to begin their homework after answers have been verified as correct by the teacher. Prior to completing these notes, students must know how to solve linear equations, solve quadratic equations, and calculate excluded values in a rational expression. (Developed for use in an algebra course.)

These Equations as Relations Notes help students to truly understand what it means to be a solution of a linear equation by having them explore them both algebraically and graphically. Special emphasis is placed on the idea that 'infinitely many solutions' does not mean the same thing as 'all solutions' that was used when solving equations with one variable. The back of the page teaches students how to calculate solutions when given the domain. I typically have students work in partners to co

Students learn to classify real numbers by completing this handout. Students are required to look up definitions and write examples of terms such as real numbers, rational numbers, irrational numbers, integers, whole numbers, and natural numbers. Then, using those definitions, students label a graphic organizer and sort given numbers into the correct locations on the graphic organizer. I use this with my Algebra I Students, and their Prentice Hall textbook gives them enough information for