Week of Oct. 26th

It has been awhile since I have posted.  I apologize for that.  Over the last two weeks we have been studying equations.  We have learned to solve 1 and 2-step equations for an unknown.  Here's an example:

2x + 3 = 15

2x + 3 + (-3) = 15 + (-3)

2x = 12

 2x  =   12 

2          2

x = 6

I teach students that solving an equation is a process that you do over and over again.

Step 1:  Get rid of your addition or subtraction

How:  Add the opposite to both sides of the equation.

Step 2:  Get rid of your multiply and divide.

How:  You do the opposite to both sides of the equation.

We have now moved on to solving 1 and 2-step inequalities.  The major difference between an equation and an inequality is that an inequality can have multiple answers that will make the problem true.

Example:

2x + 3 > 15

2x + 3 + (-3) > 15 + (-3)

2x > 12

 2x  >   12 

2          2

x > 6

So, any value greater than 6 will make this problem true.

2(8) + 3 > 15

16 + 3 > 15

18 > 15

This week we will finishing solving inequalities, take a Common Assessment over equations and inequalities, and learn how to play Sumdog.

Remember, Friday is Parent / Teacher Conference Day.  There will be no school for students.  Monday is a Staff Development day so students actually have a 4 day weekend.  Enjoy.

Bonus Question of the Week:

Roger is having a picnic for 78 guests. He plans to serve each guest at least one hot dog. If each package, p, contains eight hot dogs, which inequality could be used to determine how many packages of hot dogs Roger will need to buy?

A.  p > 78                     C.  8 + p > 78

B.  8p > 78                   D.  78 - p > 8

Also, how many packages will he need to buy?

To receive Bonus points you must write the problem on a sheet of paper, solve the problem, and turn it in by Thursday, Oct. 29th.

Have a good week!