Cal took his test with little anxiety!

I supervised a Stanford 9 Testing session.

Today, Cal and I worked on several problems related to dividing polynomials by other polynomials using synthetic division. We were able to correctly solve several basic problems and find the remainder of the division problem as well. Cal and I then worked on simplifying several problems using factoring. Next, we began working on understanding how ratios and fractions are used in algebra and the concept of proportions.

We examined the issue of slavery and wrote an essay including the views from a Southern and a Northern perspective as of the mid-nineteenth century.

We worked on Cal's essay on Westward expansion for his school.

Cal and I began our lesson reviewing some of the things we learned from the previous day. We then worked on nine exercise problems from the textbook. These problems involved factoring polynomial equations and adding, subtracting, multiplying, and dividing polynomials. Cal was able to solve all of the problems correctly with some assistance. We also discussed a basic technique for factoring simple polynomials with one as the coefficient in front of the squared variable. Towards the end of class, we reviewed the assignment that Cal had completed.

Cal and I began work on understanding ways to add, subtract, multiply, and divide polynomials. We also discussed the properties of exponents and ways to simplify exponents using some basic math operations. Cal worked through several problems on dividing a polynomial by a monomial and a polynomial by a polynomial. This again often relies on factoring, which we worked on for solving several problems. We also talked about the property of distribution, which is important when adding and subtracting polynomials.

We compared the upheaval resulting from the Katmandu earthquake and that occurring in the aftermath of the death of Freddie Gray at the hands of Baltimore Police.

Oregon Treaty
Mexican War Causes
Mexican War
Mexican Cession
California Gold Rush
California Statehood

Cal and I worked again on solving quadratic equations with two solutions. Cal was able to understand how to use the quadratic equation. We also discussed how factoring quadratic equations can be a bit tricky if the multiplier in front of the x-squared term is not equal to 1. In addition, we discussed cases when a quadratic equation has an x term multiplier equal to 0, which results in a very symmetrical plot and two factors that are also symmetrical. Cal will need to practice using the quadratic formula and check his work in order to solve complex quadratic equations.