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Mr. Vega, Algebra II

Posts

Unit 5 and 6

Hello!
 
It has been a while since I have updated everyone with what is going on in math class lately. Here is a quick run down of what we have been working on so far this semester and a little bit of what is to come:
 
We returned from winter break and jumped right into Unit 5 - Rational Exponents and Radical Functions.
  • Students learned what a radical function is and how to graph them.
  • Students applied their understanding of transformations to the graphs of radical functions.
  • Students learned how to convert radicals to rational exponents and vice versa.
  • Students learned how to solve equations using exponents and nth roots.
  • Students learned about composite functions.
  • Students learned about inverse functions.
  • We took our Unit 5 test on Monday, January 27th/Tuesday, January 28th.
Last week, we started Unit 6 - Exponential and Logarithmic Functions.
  • We started with a short review of exponential functions and their parameters.
  • We went further by looking at how to use exponential functions to model exponential growth and decay.
  • My favorite topic of this unit (and this semester so far) was learning about compounding interest. This week we have been working on real life examples of compounding interest such as savings accounts, credit cards, and retirement funds.
  • We will start Logarithms this week and will deep dive into logarithms for the rest of this unit which should continue for another two weeks.

Unit 3

We are nearing the end of our third unit of the year. In this unit, the primary focus was learning the many different ways to solve quadratic equations. Students also were introduced to the imaginary number system and complex numbers, as all quadratics have two roots (though some of them are not real!)

We are doing a project instead of a test at the end of this unit, and my hope is to start these projects this week. Students will have enough time to complete this in class, but I understand some students need extra time or miss class sometimes, so the option to work is available.
 
This project involves constructing a catapult and using quadratics to model projectile motion.

Unit 2

Students took their first test (Unit 1) on either Thursday 8/29 or Friday 8/30 which means we will be starting Unit 2 when we come back from our long Labor Day weekend.

The content in Unit 2 is all related to Quadratic Functions:
  • 2.1 - Transformations of Quadratic Functions
  • 2.2 - Characteristics of Quadratic Functions
  • 2.3 - Focus of a Parabola
  • 2.4 - Modeling with Quadratic Functions
My goal is to have our Unit 2 test on Monday, 9/16.

**Edit:
9th Grade will test Wednesday 9/18 and Thursday 9/19
10th Grade will test Wednesday 9/18
11th Grade will test Tuesday 9/17 and Wednesday 9/18

Unit 1

Our first unit is called Linear Functions and contains the following lessons:
1.1 - Parent Functions and Transformations
1.2 - Transformations of Functions
1.3 - Modeling with Linear Functions
1.4 - Solving Linear Systems
 
My goal is to have our Unit 1 test on Wednesday, August 28th.

*Edit - Our first test will be Thursday, August 29th*

Introduction

Hello!

It is about time I finally update you on class. I intend to make a post each time we start a new unit with a scope and sequence of what the lesson covers as well as the date I intend to have our Unit exam. The Unit exam date may change due to pacing in class.

For a complete list of assignments and grades, please visit your student's Infinite Campus (for grades, updated at least every Friday).

Please email me with any additional questions or concerns.
[email protected]