Ben had an excellent class today. First, we reviewed the assignment he had with a sub yesterday. He did SUPER on it! He is really understanding the concept of domain and range, and how to notate it using parenthesis and brackets. Today we continued with the concept of function. We reviewed graphs and that each x can have only 1 y to correspond to it. But we then moved into coordinates, maps, and tables. At first, Ben was confused. But once I reiterated the concept of what a function was, Ben was able to determine whether each given relation was (or was not) a function. Way to go Ben!

Chapter 6 Systems of Linear Equations and Inequalities – We reviewed for a test on graphing, substitution, and elimination methods to solve systems of equations. We practiced determining the number of solutions of a system of linear equations by using algebraic methods. We graphed a system of linear inequalities to determine the solution region. We practiced solving real-world word problems by setting up a system of two equations and solving them by elimination or substitution.

Absolute Value Equations – We learned to solve equations that involve absolute value. We learned that the solution to an absolute value equation either has two solutions, one positive and one negative, or there is no value of x that makes the absolute value equation true. Then we solved algebraic equations where we substituted values for variables. Next, we reviewed the slope formula.
Assignment: For homework complete assigned problems calculating slope from 2 points on a line.

I planned for algebra.

Today Ben worked on completing his Ch. 2 Test on Linear Equations. He was apprehensive to start. He claimed he didn't remember anything and asked me questions like "What is slope?" (we've worked on this for months and I know he KNOWS). I decided to have a conversation with him about this. I said to him, "Ben, I've noticed it's in your nature to, when you feel challenged, say that you don't know what to do. But I'd like to see you consider a different way of thinking. I've seen you do this stuff before, I KNOW you can do it. So instead of immediately saying you don't know, maybe think about it like 'I can do this! Let me see if I can!'." He begrudgingly continued. I have learned that is Ben's coping mechanism, when it's hard, let's distract, avoid, say something off-the-wall, etc. I will continue to encourage Ben to take responsibility for his learning and remind him he has MORE than the ability to do what is in front of him.
He worked the entire period, I helped him from time to time remember what to do. But he did the majority of the thinking on his own. He still has 2 questions left to finish tomorrow.

We reviewed the 3 possibilities for equations. An equation that is true for all values of the variables has infinitely many solutions and is called an identity. When there is no value of x that makes the equation true, there is no solution. When there is one solution you solve for x. Next, we practiced using the Multiplication Property of Equality to get the variable alone on one side of the equal sign. We solved several problems involving linear equations.
Assignment: For homework complete assigned problems.

Ben came to school late this morning. When he arrived we only had 10 minutes left in class. He asked to go get breakfast and came back with a protein shake and a cupcake (Mmm). He asked if he could have time to eat. I figured we weren't going to be very productive today, so I just used this time to talk with him about life. :)

1-3 Solving Equations with a Variable on Both Sides – We practiced solving equations with variables on both sides and determining whether there was one, infinitely many, or no solution.
Assignment: For homework complete assigned problems.

We continued to review Ch.2 today. I gave Ben questions like, given the graph, find the equation of the line in point slope form. Ben had to first calculate the slope, then he had to use the points the line passed through to determine the equation of the line. Next we practiced problems in standard form. Ben recalled that in order to graph these lines, we have to find the x and y intercepts. Ben solved for x and y individually and then plotted those coordinates, then connected the dots with a line.

We worked on an Algebra Readiness Assessment. We completed some of the types of problems and concepts that a student should be able to do when they take Algebra 1.