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Mr. Vega, Algebra I

Course Description

Algebra 1 introduces students to variables, algebraic expressions, equations, inequalities, functions, and all their multiple representations. In this class, students will develop the ability to explore and solve real-world application problems, demonstrate the appropriate use of graphing calculators, and communicate mathematical ideas clearly. This course lays the foundation for mathematical literacy that will help students be successful in every subsequent course in mathematics. 

Posts

Algebra 1: 11/17 - 11/21

We are in the midst of our 5th unit in Algebra 1; it is all about solving systems of linear equations. So far, we've learned how to solve systems of equations by graphing and using substitution.

This coming week, we will learn how to solve systems using elimination, and we will determine when to use each strategy. Finally, we will learn how to solve systems of linear inequalities before our Unit 5 test on Friday before Thanksgiving break. Here is a tentative schedule for the week:

Monday 11/17 - Solving Systems using Elimination
Tuesday 11/18 - Solving Systems Practice
Wednesday 11/19 - Solving Systems of Inequalities
Thursday 11/20 - Unit 5 Review
Friday 11/21 - Unit 5 Test

Algebra 1: 11/10 - 11/14

We just wrapped up our graphing and writing linear equations unit with a project about planning a vacation. Ask your students about this project, it was a fun one!

This coming week will mark the start of our fifth unit in Algebra 1. During this unit, we will learn about systems of linear equations and the various tools we use to solve them. Here is a tentative schedule for the week:

Monday 11/10 - NO WCS (students still have FRCC classes!!!!)
Tuesday 11/11 - Unit Introduction - Unit 4 Project Synthesis / Finish
Wednesday 11/12 - What are Systems of Equations? Solving by Graphing
Thursday 11/13 - Solving Systems using Substitution
Friday 11/14 - Solving Systems using Elimination

Algebra 1: 11/3 - 11/7

November 3rd - November 7th

We are nearing the end of our 4th unit where we learned how to graph linear relationships, use technology to create trendlines and regression, and learned how to write formulas of arithmetic sequences.
 
This coming week, we are going to finish the unit with a lesson on piecewise functions. Then, we will work on an end-of-unit project as well as have a short test by the end of the week. Here is the tentative plan for the week:
  • Monday 11/3 - Piecewise Functions
  • Tuesday 11/4 - Family Vacation Project
  • Wednesday 11/5 - Family Vacation Project
  • Thursday 11/6 - Family Vacation Project / Review
  • Friday 11/7 - Unit 4 Test
We have a half day on Friday 11/7, students will be released at 11:30.

Algebra 1 - Unit 4

October 27th - October 31st

We are rocking and rolling on our 4th unit that we started on Monday when we returned from fall break. 
 
Unit 4 - Writing Linear Functions
This unit focuses on writing linear functions in both slope-intercept and point-slope form. We write equations given many things such as two points, a graph, a table, etc. We also are learning to deduce what a point or slope or y-intercept looks live given a real-world context.
 
This coming week, we are going to start by writing equations of parallel and perpendicular lines. Then, we are going to focus on modeling datasets using linear functions. We are going to dive into correlations, accuracy, and technology tools used for modeling using linear functions.
  • Monday 10/27 - Parallel and Perpendicular Lines
    • Homework 4.3
  • Tuesday 10/28 - Scatter Plots and Lines of Fit (Regression)
  • Wednesday 10/29 - Analyzing Lines of Fit
    • Regression of a Data Set (In-Class)
  • Thursday 10/30 - Practice
    • Homework 4.4
  • Friday 10/31 - Arithmetic Sequences
    • Homework 4.6 (Due Friday 11/7)

Algebra 1 - Unit 2

We made it through our first unit! We finished our test on Friday, August 22nd.
 
Today, we started our first lesson in Unit 2 which is all about inequalities. This unit will move pretty quick, and I am anticipating our next test will be within two weeks.
 
We will talk about:
  • Inequalities and associated Symbols
  • Performing operations to Inequalities
  • Solving multi-step inequalities
  • Solving inequalities with variables on both sides
  • Inequalities with no solutions or all real number solutions
  • Compound inequalities
  • Inequalities of absolute value expressions

Algebra 1 - Unit 1

We are well under way in our first unit in Algebra 1, and it's a nice short one. I plan to have our first test THIS FRIDAY (8/22), so it is coming very soon! We have spent a good amount of time on solving multi-step equations and equations with variables on both sides. We have also talked about proportions and unit conversion. We will finish off the unit with a lesson on absolute value (and how to solve multi-step absolute value equations) and a lesson about literal equations - these are equations with more than one variable.