Six Weeks Remain

The end of 2009-2010 school year is coming to a slow close.

In the middle school, we are continuing our discussion of the universe focusing on Stellar Parallax.



Also, we are beginning our discussion of Monsoon Asia.

In the elementary school, we are beginning order of operations and fractions with 2 thru 5 graders.

In the high school, we have wrapped up All Star Sports Week. The Sophomores have the School Spirit this year. Next up are elections and the car wash.

See ya soon, Be Safe!

Less than four months to go!

Hi, Everyone.

Life in the district is interesting as usual. The high school is preparing for ACT testing and All Star Sports Week via Student Congress. STUCO just came back front Regional Conference in Clinton Twp. at the MISD. We learned about reinventing ourselves as leaders of our high school community.

The middle school is preparing for cardboard races. In science, we are learning the last of weather and climate. We will be moving on to Astronomy in two weeks. In geography, we are learning about South Africa and apartheid.

Parker Elementary has just completed "Reading Camp", that was interesting. The kids, I have, are moving on to multiplication tables and harder words for spelling.

Be Safe!

A Journal To Help Through The Year!

It's a brand new year in Michigan.

I ahve decide to begin a journal to help with the new role I am in with the district.

I am working in the Middle School and Parker Elementary, working with good kids.

If anyone needs help with mathematics, drop a line.

Be safe this snowy season!

Homecoming Week Is One Day Away From Ending!

Today, a sub was in class.

There will be a test in each hour next week Thrusday, October 29, 2009. There will be a notebook check on Friday, October 30, 2009.

In Advanced Algebra, the test will cover Relations/Functions, Linear Equations, Slopes of Linear Equations, and Writing Linear Equations.

In Algebra, the test will cover Solving Equations by Addition (and subtraction), Solving Equations by Multiplication (and division), Multi-Step Equations, and Solving Equations on Both Sides.

In Geometry, the test will cover Inductive Reasoning and Conjecturing (Drawing Conclusions), If/Then Statements, Deductive Reasoning, Using Proof in Algebra, and Verifying Segment and Angle Relationships.

I will have review sheets on Tuesday.

Be Safe...Mr. Taylor

It's Tuesday of Spirit Week!

Hi, Everyone.
Today was Twin Day. Tomorrow is Wacky Wednesday.
In Advanced Algebra we wrapped up our discussion of solving word problems and linear equations in the slope intercept form, y = mx + b. We shall continue our discussion of slopes of linear functions.

m = (y2 - y1)/(x2 - x1)

Linear functions have positive, negative or zero slopes. Vertical lines have an undefined slope. Slopes of two lines can be parallel, non parallel or perpendicular. Perpendicular slopes are slopes of two different lines in which the slopes are opposite reciprocals of one another. For example, 5 and -1/5.

In Algebra, we began talking about Multi Step Linear Equations. For example:

5x - 6 = 14

5x -6 + 6 = 14 + 6

5x + 0 = 20

(1/5) 5x = 20 (1/5)

x = 4

In Geometry, we are proving segment and angle relationships. I will put up a proof tomorrow.

Not much homework due to Homecoming Week.

Be Safe, Mr. Taylor.

Advanced Algebra

Hi, Gang!
Here is the homework:

Lesson 10: On a bike

George rode his bike from the basketball court at a speed of 5 feet per second.

1. Fill in the table below giving George's distance from the court after each second. Continue for 12 seconds.

Time (in seconds) : 0 1 2 ......
Distance (in feet) : ................

2. How far is George from the court after 4 seconds? After 4.5 seconds?
3. When is George 15 feet from the court? When is he 17.5 feet from the court?
4. Write an equation for George's distance from the court as a function of time. Use y for his distance in feet and x for the number of seconds elapsed.
5. What do you think the graph will look like? Draw a sketch.
6. Graph the table values yopu found in Question 1. (Scale your axes.) This should match the graph of the equation. Was your sketch right?
7. In terms of George's bike ride, what does the slope represent?
8. In terms of George's bike ride, what would an increase in the y-intercept mean? How about a gentler slope?

Remember to at least try these problems, show some work!

Mr. Taylor-Be Safe!

Some Sample Problems!

I couldn't find any appropiate videos yet!

But here are some sample problems for each class. This is what we will concentrating on this week and of course word problems.

Advanced Algebra Sample Problem:

Using the standard form of linear equations, Ax + By = C, it is easy to find x and y intercepts. It is important to remember that A and B must be integers and not zeroes.

For instance - x intercept: 5x - 6y = 30. Let y be zero. So 5x - 6(0) = 30.
That is, 5x = 30. So, x = 6. The x intercept is (6,0).

For instance - y intercept: 5x - 6y = 30. Let x be zero. So 5(0) - 6y = 30.
That is, -6y = 30. So, y = -5. The y intercept is (0,-5).

To find slope, solve the equation for y, into y = mx + b (slope intercept form).
So, 5x - 6y = 30
5x - 5x - 6y = 30 - 5x
- 6y = 30 - 5x
y = -5 + (5/6)x
The slope of the line is (5/6).

What is the slope of 7x + 6y = 84?

Algebra Sample Problem:

Solving Equations involves finding the missing number to make the statement true.

For instance, x + 2 = 4. To solve this problem remember that the additive inverse of a number is the opposite of the number. The additive inverse of 5 is -5. When you add opposites, you get zero.

So, x + 2 = 4.
Then, x + 2 + (-2) = 4 + (-2)
Then, x + 0 = 2
Then, x = 2.

It’s all a balancing act.

Geometry Sample Problem:

Statement: The Governor of Michigan is Jennifer Granholm.

Conditional: If a person is governor of Michigan, then that person is Jennifer Granholm.

Converse: If there is a person called Jennifer Granholm, then that person is governor of Michigan.

Inverse: If a person is not governor of Michigan, then the person is not Jennifer Granholm.

Contrapositive: If there is not a person called Jennifer Granholm, then that person is not governor of Michigan.

Create the four conditional statements for:
1) Detroit is a city in Michigan. 2) Perpendicular lines make four right angles.