Math Fundamentals – This week students explored the uses of the distributive property. Many of us use the distributive property without realizing it when we  For example, 5 times 98 can seem daunting, but it’s quite easy when we instead think of 5(100-2). The distributive property is especially helpful in writing equivalent expressions and solving algebraic equations.  When we return from Spring Break students will be learning more about positive and negative whole numbers (integers). 

Integrated Math – Integrated math students wrapped up their unit on expressions and equations. Applying integer operations, combining like terms, and using the distributive property enabled them to solve complicated multi-step equations with variables and the distributive property on both sides of the equal sign. Students were excited to “finally” find the value of “x” after much work rearranging and creating equivalent expressions.

Algebra 1 – Algebra 1 students finished their unit on graphing quadratic equations. They are now able to graph a quadratic function in factored form and write an equation for a graph of a quadratic function. Students can also convert equations from factored to standard form and from vertex form into standard form. They also can see the effect that changing the “a” value has on a quadratic equation. They will be moving into a study of solving equations after Spring Break.

Geometry –  Geometry students wrapped up their unit on solid figures. Upon return from Spring Break, we will be working on coordinate geometry.  In the first section, students encounter a new coordinate transformation notation that connects transformations to functions.