Day Three Algebra Grid Ins

Algebra Write it out ◦14 is 5 more than some number. ◦If one-fourth of a number is 3, what is one-half of the same number? ◦Is, of, times, product, what or unknown value, more, sum, less, difference, ratio, quotient

Algebra: Basic Training What ever you do to the left of the = you do to the right “Is there a quick solution?” Inequality: when you multiply or divide by a negative, switch the sign Simplifying p191

FOIL Combining like terms first Quadratic Solutions Factoring Quadratics ETS Favorites p195 Absolute Value (Joe alert!)

Algebra: How to avoid it PITA ◦Numbers in the answer choices ◦Specific: “what was the first payment ◦You have the urge to write out algebra, DON’T ◦Steps:  Start with C  Work out the steps of the problem  Look for something in the problem that tells you what must happen to be correct  When correct, STOP

PIYA ◦Pick a number for the variable ◦Use your number to solve ◦Use your number in the answer choices ◦Which ones? Small and nice (2,10,100) Radicals and fractions – get rid of them Functions – plug away

“If people do not believe that mathematics is simple, it is only because they do not realize how complicated life is.” ~John Louis von Neumann Work for next time – Finish the multiple choice pp

Algebra Main Points Find the trick, do not directly solve for x or y unless you have to. Try factoring or expanding expressions to find an answer Simultaneous equations, you should add or subtract the equations When the question has number answers, PITA – plug in the numbers to find the answers. If the answers have variables, plug your numbers.

Algebra Main Points Use “easy” numbers PIYA With inequalities, try more than one number SAT Function problems are simply “Simon Says” follow the pattern for the funny symbol Domain is what goes into a function, and range is what comes out. No zeros. Translate word problems into equations and solve.

Grid-Ins Instructions (fill in boxes, ovals, start left) Enter what fits, no need to round or reduce No mixed numbers Less confusing questions, no tricks Order of difficulty