Showing posts with label patterns. Show all posts
Showing posts with label patterns. Show all posts

Sunday, October 26, 2014

8th Graders: How to Study for Unit 2 Test

Happy Sunday Everyone,

Do not forget we are taking Unit 2 Test this week!

The best way to study for a test is to study a little each night before the test. Below I have listed some helpful tips, that can prepare you for the upcoming test.

1. Read over your notes in your notebook. Cover up the answers to the problems and rework them out.

2. Watch any of the following helpful videos. Work through each problem as the instructor works through the problem.

















3. Complete extra practice problems where you know the answer. Below I have listed some worksheets and sites you can use to practice.

Solving Equations Worksheet with Answers

Khan Academy Practice Problems: Variables on Both Sides

Khan Academy Distributive Property Practice

Word Problems Using Equations Practice Problems

Remember it is spirit week! Wear your pink tomorrow!

Have a Great Day,
Mrs. Gilliam


PS
One point on class dojo for any one that comments with the correct answer: 5(3x + 2) = 70


Monday, October 20, 2014

8th Grade: Patterns Practice

We have been looking at using patterns to write equations.

Below is the pattern we used last week. (All patterns from visualpatterns.org)


We start by thinking about what the next pattern will look like. 

Several students noticed each time it added 4 new blocks.

We then filled out the table like the one below.


You are then asked: What do you notice? What do you wonder?

On this table, you should notice you are adding 4 each stage.
You may wonder could my equation be y = n + 4

If you are wondering that, test out the equation. ALWAYS test out your equation.

Step 1:  y = 1 + 4  
             y = 5   (Correct amount of blocks for step 1)
Step 2: y = 2 + 4
            y = 6  (Not correct amount of blocks)

You should notice at step 2, this equation does not work.

Remember: We talked about the constant change being 4. Another way to think of adding 4 over and over again is to multiply by 4. 

Now I am wondering, could the equation be y = 4n. Let's test it out.

Step 1:  y = 4(1) 
             y = 4       (Not the correct amount of blocks)

Back to the drawing board.... or can we add on to this equation???

I would stop and think about how can I get the above equation to work for stage 1.

If I added a 1 to 4, that would give me the 5 I need.

y = 4n + 1   Lets, test it out............

Step 1: y = 4(1) + 1
            y = 5   (correct amount of blocks)

Step 2: y = 4(2) + 1
            y = 9 (correct amount of blocks)

Step 3: y = 4(3) + 1
            y = 13  (correct amount of blocks)

Now, we can find step 27.

Step 27: y = 4(27) + 1
              y = 109 blocks

Is this pattern proportional? How do we know? What would the graph look like?


Have a Great Night,

Mrs. Gilliam