Final Reivew Sheet Answers!

Make the Design Paragraph Sample

Hi class!

Here're the three samples I showed in class today for your paragraph writing. The key for writing your draft is:

1. Be specific, and avoid vague words such as "patterns", "straighter line". Use examples (the actual designs you figured out) and numbers to back up your statement;
2. Connect your sentences. Do not make your paragraphs a series of unconnected answers for each question posted on your worksheet.

Sample Paragraphs:

Sample One

The best way to figure out the equations for design A is by trials and errors. I tried many times until I found a pattern. Once I found the pattern, it became very easy to match the design.


Sample Two

I noticed that the y-intercepts of the lines in Design A all have to be the same. It is the slope that makes the lines different. Whether it was the positive slope or negative slope, it creates the star-like shape.


Sample Three

When I started trying to match design A, I had some trouble finding the balances between lines. For example, making many lines too close together in consecutive numbers. Or making the lines too steep and too close together. One thing that really helped me in the process is when I observed the effect of slope and y-intercepts on the look of the line. I found all these lines intersect at one point on the y-axis, meaning that they have to have the same y-intercept. I have to change around the slope to include both negative and positive values. The lines with positive slopes rise uphill while the lines with negative slopes fall downhill. I also had to graph some lines with slopes less than 1. For example, the equation y = .25x. The slope .25 makes one of the lines that is tilted less than 45 degrees (below the diagonal line of y = x). Without this value, the star will not take full shape.

Additional Homework Problem due Friday, November 5th

Hi class,

Please look at the following problem for homework. You can print out the picture if you would like to.

Unit 2 Test Review Sheet with Answer Key!

Here we go guys! Check the answers out. There will be a 10-minute question and answer block with Beau at the beginning of your test.

I know you guys will be taken care of with Beau. She's awesome!

Unit1 Overview

The first unit in Algebra I is all about numbers! Yes! Numbers! We take them for granted since we have started counting colored blocks in baby books. And we have been using them in all our math classes. Some find them fascinating and contain hidden stories. Some simply enjoy the sounds when pronouncing a certain number. Some, on the other hand, find them boring and even a bit scary. Whether they are our foes or friends, they really deserve some better understandings from us.

In this unit, we will review some of the skills you learned in previous math classes, and along the way, reinforce some concepts and skills that might be a little fuzzy for you. Meanwhile, we will also start looking into study habits that will bring more success in your life and smiles on your face! Whatever your math ability level, I guarantee that you will discover something new and fun in the next three weeks.

Algebra I Comes Alive to Blog!

Dear students,

Welcome to Marin Academy's Algebra I class blog. The intention of this blog is for it to be a central warehouse of resources for the Algebra I class. Here, you can find homework assignments, handouts for class, as well as posting questions for discussion. You can find syllabus for each unit in the Essential Documents column on the right hand side. Handouts and other materials will also be posted according to our class schedule.

I am still relatively new to blogging. So please bear with me if I am a little slow updating. It probably just means that I am still figuring out the kinks with how to use this blog.

By the way, the logo above is designed by a pre-calculus student last year using Mac Grapher and knowledge about trigonometric function graphs. I thought it was a nice reminder of the summer fun! Enjoy!