I created my "newsletter" Algebra Connections to give students the organized notes that are shared in class. I want students to succeed and I work hard to do what I can to support their studies. I have created these "newsletters: to review fundamental algebraic concepts and procedures and to suggest online resources that might be useful in developing mastery of algebraic skills. Be sure to check out the many resources and links at www.clubtnt.org/my_algebra - CLUB TNT uses the media of entertainment to inform and educate, providing online resources for an online generation. Why not try these weekly downloads to help you study for class or the ACT/SAT? http://www.clubtnt.org/my_algebra/index.htm Copyright 2007 William P. Breitsprecher and BreitLinks - All Rights Reserved http://cyber.law.harvard.edu/rss en-us Tue, 1 Jan 2008 13:49:45 +0000 webmaster@clubtnt.org (Bill Breitsprecher) Fri, 21 Dec 2007 23:49:45 +0000 G webmaster@clubtnt.org (Bill Breitsprecher) Education Math Algebra http://www.clubtnt.org/my_algebra/images/my_alg_ani.gif http://www.clubtnt.org/my_algebra/index.htm Algebra Connections logo 134 141 Many believe that modeling and predicting with functions is the single most important concept in mathematics. This edition of Algebra Connections reviews graphing and working with linear equations and inequalities. Congratulations! You have finished our Beginning Algebra series! We will launch a semester long version for fall 2008 when the school year starts after Labor Day (Week 29). Mon, 18 Aug 2008 05:02:45 +0000 http://clubtnt.org/my%5Falgebra/tech-connect_pdfs/graphing2.pdf Here is a simple review of rectangular coordinate systems and graphing linear equations. (Week 28). Mon, 11 Aug 2008 05:02:45 +0000 http://clubtnt.org/my%5Falgebra/tech-connect_pdfs/GRAPHING.pdf This is really a review of LCD, factoring polynomials, and canceling common factors. Students that master this unit are well on their way for success in Algebra 41 and any other higher-level math class they choose to take (Week 27). Mon, 4 Aug 2008 05:02:45 +0000 http://clubtnt.org/my%5Falgebra/tech-connect_pdfs/rational_exp_addngt_sbtrctng.pdf Here is where we start to tie everything together -- factoring the numerators and denominators (polynomials) of rational expressions allows us to cancel common factors, just like when we are working with simple fractions. (Week 26). Mon, 28 Jul 2008 05:02:45 +0000 http://clubtnt.org/my%5Falgebra/tech-connect_pdfs/rational_exp_mult_div.pdf If we understand polynomials, rational expressions are not really new. A rational number is one that can be written as a quotient. Rational expressions are quotients of polynomials. (Week 25). Mon, 21 Jul 2008 05:02:45 +0000 http://clubtnt.org/my%5Falgebra/tech-connect_pdfs/rational_exp.pdf In many ways, everything we have done up to this point is to prepare us to look at mathematical expression of relationships. Quadratic equations can be used to model many "real-word" problems. Let's look at one way to solve quadratic equations. (Week 24 - Note: No feed week of 4th of July). Mon, 14 Jul 2008 05:02:45 +0000 http://clubtnt.org/my%5Falgebra/tech-connect_pdfs/quad_eq1.pdf Now that we can factor trinomials that have a lead coefficient of 1 (x2+bx+c), lets look at how these patterns help us when working with polynomials with a lead coefficient other than 1 (Week 22). Mon, 23 Jun 2008 05:02:45 +0000 http://clubtnt.org/my%5Falgebra/tech-connect_pdfs/fact_trinomials2.pdf Starting with the simplest case, let's look at the patterns that help us write trinomials as a product (Week 21). Wed, 18 Jun 2008 05:02:45 +0000 http://clubtnt.org/my%5Falgebra/tech-connect_pdfs/fact_trinomials1.pdf Anytime we factor an expression, we start by looking for greatest common factors. Then, we look for ways to rewrite it as a product (Week 20). Mon, 09 Jun 2008 05:02:45 +0000 http://clubtnt.org/my%5Falgebra/tech-connect_pdfs/factor_polynomial.pdf This is an important unit that ties polynomial basics, working with exponents, and operations with polynomials together. We start with the simplest case, dividing a polynomial by a monomial -- its really just a review of fractions and simplifying terms. Then, we look at long division, which sometimes called synthetic division (Week 19). Wed, 04 Jun 2008 05:02:45 +0000 http://clubtnt.org/my%5Falgebra/tech-connect_pdfs/divide_polynomials.pdf This handout reviews the basics of multiplying different types of polynomials. Building and understanding of these concepts provides a solid foundation for much of the rest of this class (Week 18). Tue, 27 May 2008 05:02:45 +0000 http://clubtnt.org/my%5Falgebra/tech-connect_pdfs/mult_polynomials.pdf The basics of polynomials and the different types are covered here. There are many online resources to direct students for additional information, reviews, and interactive tutorials (Week 17). Mon, 19 May 2008 05:02:45 +0000 http://clubtnt.org/my%5Falgebra/tech-connect_pdfs/polynomials.pdf Once we understand exponents, we should apply that understanding to scientific notation. This handout reviews that concept and procedures. Does MS Excel understand Scientific Notation? Let's find out (Week 16). Mon, 12 May 2008 05:02:45 +0000 http://clubtnt.org/my%5Falgebra/tech-connect_pdfs/scientific_notation.pdf This handout reviews exponent rules and provides Web resources for students for further study and practice (Week 15). Mon, 05 May 2008 05:02:45 +0000 http://clubtnt.org/my%5Falgebra/tech-connect_pdfs/exponents.pdf Working with expressions that are greater than, less than, equal to or greater than, or less than or greater than is the foundation of higher-level math courses. This handout compares and contrasts equations and inequalities and suggests some helpful Web resources (Week 14). Mon, 28 Apr 2008 05:02:45 +0000 http://clubtnt.org/my%5Falgebra/tech-connect_pdfs/solving_linear_inequalities.pdf This handout reviews the basics of linear equations and the properties of algebra that are used to solve them. Several online resources are included (Week 13). Mon, 21 Apr 2008 05:02:45 +0000 http://clubtnt.org/my%5Falgebra/tech-connect_pdfs/solving_linear_equations.pdf Polya's strategy for solving problems is useful in virtually any context. This handout reviews how we can apply it to typical math and algebra problems. Many examples of translating words to numbers are presented (Week 12). Mon, 14 Apr 2008 05:02:45 +0000 http://clubtnt.org/my%5Falgebra/tech-connect_pdfs/percent_story_prob.pdf Here are some geometric and other common formulas used to solve a variety of problems (Week 11). Mon, 07 Apr 2008 05:02:45 +0000 http://clubtnt.org/my%5Falgebra/tech-connect_pdfs/FORMULAS.pdf Combining like terms is the basis of much of algebra. Here is a short review, with examples. It includes online resources to practice problems, an equation calculator, and a combining like terms calculator (Week 10). Mon, 31 Mar 2008 05:02:45 +0000 http://clubtnt.org/my%5Falgebra/tech-connect_pdfs/simplyfying_expressions.pdf This handout reviews properties of negative numbers and rules of addition, subtraction, multiplication, and division. There are also some suggested Websites for additional help (Week 9). Mon, 24 Mar 2008 05:02:45 +0000 http://clubtnt.org/my%5Falgebra/tech-connect_pdfs/negative_numbers.pdf Here is a review of different types of number sets, properties of real numbers, and the order of operations. Does MS Excel understand the order of operations? Let's find out (Week 8). Mon, 17 Mar 2008 05:02:45 +0000 http://clubtnt.org/my%5Falgebra/tech-connect_pdfs/properties_real_nos.pdf Adding, subtracting, multiplying, and dividing fractions all represent important skills. Here's a quick review along with more Web resources to review these concepts (Week 7). Mon, 10 Mar 2008 05:02:45 +0000 http://clubtnt.org/my%5Falgebra/tech-connect_pdfs/fractions_operations.pdf Sometimes, looking at alternative perspectives is the best way to learn, Here are two ways to look at the same concept -- lowest common multiple and lowest common denominator (Week 6). Mon, 03 Mar 2008 06:02:45 +0000 http://clubtnt.org/my%5Falgebra/tech-connect_pdfs/lcm_lcd.pdf Working with fractions is an important part of many classes -- it is also the foundation of many algebraic concepts. Here are the basics (Week 5). Mon, 25 Feb 2008 06:02:45 +0000 http://clubtnt.org/my%5Falgebra/tech-connect_pdfs/fractions.pdf Here is a more detailed review of an important concept, percentages. Rate, base, and percentage are reviewed along with some examples of practical applications (Week 4). Mon, 18 Feb 2008 08:02:45 +0000 http://clubtnt.org/my%5Falgebra/tech-connect_pdfs/percents.pdf These math skills are critical to student success in most ALL academic classes at UW-W. Our text has a Review Chapter the reinforces these skills, but I wanted to give my students a little bit more (Week 3). Mon, 11 Feb 2008 08:02:45 +0000 http://www.clubtnt.org/my_algebra/tech-connect_pdfs/decimals_percents.pdf In many ways, algebra is all about taking numbers and expressions apart and then putting them back together in simpler forms. Multiplication tells us that 2*3=6. Factor is the reverse -- 2 factors of 9 are 2 and 3 (week 2). Mon, 04 Feb 2008 13:49:45 +0000 http://www.clubtnt.org/my_algebra/tech-connect_pdfs/factors_factoring.pdf Recognizing when a number is divisible by 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, and 10 without a calculator is important -- it prepares us to work with fractions, common denominators, lowest common multiples, and factoring. There are patterns in numbers (Week 1). Mon, 28 Jan 2008 13:49:45 +0000 http://www.clubtnt.org/my_algebra/tech-connect_pdfs/divisibility_rules.pdf