Mon 12/12

Today we reviewed for the semester final on Tues/Wed. I have also attached a link to a review quiz with solutions and worked out steps to assist you in your preparation.

1st semester review

Wed 11/30

We continued our investigation of the powers of the Pythagorean Theorem today with Lesson 6.3.

Homework: Finish textbook pages 344-348 even

Tues 11/29

Today we investigated the Converse of the Pythagorean Theorem withLesson 6.2.

We'll be taking Common Assessment #3 on Friday. A study guide has been uploaded to the Document Locker.

Homework: Textbook pages 339-342 (#4-6 & #-11)

Wed.11/2

Today we worked with equations written in standard form in the first half of Lesson 4.3. More on this tomorrow!

Homework: Textbook page 240 (#6a); Don't forget to use what you learned on #1-4 to help you!prob 2 key

Tue 11/1

We jumped into Chapter 4 today with Lesson 4.1 in class. We did problem 1 in groups and went over solutions together in class today.

Your homework is to do the Problem 2 worksheet to determine . . . will he catch him?

Here is the correct solutions for #4 on your homework tonight (in slope-intercept form):

y = 4/5x - 8

You'll need #4 to be correct in order to successfully complete the rest of the assignment.

Homework: Finish the Problem 2 worksheet

Tues 10/25

Today we finished the second half of Lesson 3.6, which focused on equations in standard form.

We'll be taking our Chapter 3 test tomorrow. Happy studying!!

Tues 10/18

Today we learned how to find the y-intercept in a graph, table, context, and equation in Lesson 3.5. We did the first half of the lesson, and will finish the rest tomorrow.

Homework: Determining Y-Intercepts worksheet

Tues 10/11

Today we tackled Lesson 3.3, which focused our attention on finding the rate of change and unit rate from a context.

We learned that there's not a set formula or method to solving these - it's all about thinking critically, evaluating what you'd need to know to answer the question, and using the clues given to determine the rate.

Homework: Rates of Change worksheet (Problems B & D)

Wed. 10/5

Today we continued our look at finding the rate of change and unit rate from a table with Lesson 3.2. We're now proficient with both informal and formal methods.

Sometimes, some students get tripped up not with the rate of change methods, but in adding and subtracting positive and negative numbers.
Homework: Textbook pages 148-149

Tues 10/4

Today we learned how to find the rate of change from a table with Lesson 3.2. We learned both an informal method (arrows) and a formal method (y2 - y1) / (x2 - x1).

Be sure to practice the formal method on your homework tonight, as it's a more powerful way to determine a correct answer without error!

Homework: Textbook pages154 5 a,b

Thurs 9/29

Today we completed  chap.  Lesson 3.1 and have a better understanding of how to find rise over run.

Wed. 9/28

Today Mr. Simpson  took a look at Lesson 3.1 in more detail, learning the four-step process to determine the rate of change from a graph.

Parents: Ask your child to describe the four-step process for finding the rate of change from a graph.

Tues 9/27

Today we dove into Chapter 3 with the first part of Lesson 3.1, where we learned how to find the rate of change from a graph.

We'll get into "rise" and "run" tomorrow! Today was a good warm-up.


Homework: Finish textbook pages 132-133 (#9-15)

Tues 9/27

Today we dove into Chapter 3 with the first part of Lesson 3.1, where we learned how to find the rate of change from a graph.

We'll get into "rise" and "run" tomorrow! Today was a good warm-up.

We also passed back our second MATHia X grades of the year.

Homework: Finish textbook pages 132-133 (#9-15)

Mon. 9/19

We finished Lesson 2.6 today, which now completes our analysis of linear functions. We should now be able to tell all the scenarios when U.S. Shirts is the better buy, and when Hot Shirts is the better buy (and be able to defend our reasoning to our boss!).

If there's anything from today's class work that didn't get finished in class or needs to be improved, please fix it up at home and feel free to check your answers with the link above. Get into the routine of checking your work at home daily and you'll find studying for tests and doing your homework is much easier!

Thurs 9/15

Today we reviewed linear functions, equations, tables, and graphs with the last part of  Lesson 2.5 and the first part of Lesson 2.6.

We discovered that we've got a competitor in the shirt-making marketplace and our boss has tasked us with some analysis.

Homework:   To complete the table and the graph

Wed 9/14

Today we started Lesson 2.5 today, which focused on the shared relationships of equations, tables, and graphs. Be sure to review the solutions to today's class work to make sure you're on the right track and fully mastering all of these different skills.

HW : complete table and graph the data

Tues 9/13

We dove into linear functions today with Lesson 2.4. We took a look at how word problems, constants, variables, tables, expressions, equations, graphs, domains, and ranges are connected.

Homework: Finish textbook pages 87-88

Thurs 9/8

Today we finished our look at relations and functions with the first half of Lesson 2.3.

We'll also be taking Common Assessment #1 on Friday. It'll cover all the topics learned in chapter 1. Review the end of chapter summary and any handouts. The study guide, textbook chapter summary, and chapter 1 test will be your best study tools.

Wed 9/7

Today we began our look at relations and functions with the first half of Lesson 2.3. We'll finish the second half of the lesson tomorrow.

We'll also be taking Common Assessment #1 on Friday. It'll cover all the topics learned in chapter 1. A study guide has been uploaded to the Documents Locker. The study guide, textbook chapter summary, and chapter 1 test will be your best study tools.

Parents: Ask your students about relations, functions, input, output, x-values, y-values, domain, range, mappings, and sets today to determine how much they learned. There were a lot of new key terms presented today that we want them to master.

Homework: Finish textbook page 72

Tues 9/6

Today in class we finished our look at making sense of graphs and how they apply to the real world with the second half of Lesson 2.2.

We also passed back the Chapter 1 Test today and went over the correct solutions.



Homework: Finish textbook page 64 prob A-D

Thurs 9/1

We looked at the first part of Lesson 2.2 today, which focused on the characteristics of graphs. By now you should be able to explain the following terms in your own words:

• discrete graph
• continuous graph
• linear graph
• collinear points
• non-linear graph

Parents: Ask your student to describe each graph shown here (also available on pages 57 & 58 in our textbook) using the terms and methods learned today. If they can do it without using any resources, you know they mastered the lesson!

Homework: Summarize what we learned today, using and explaining all key terms.

Tuesday HW Solutions: Student Assignments workbook 2.1 answer key

Wed. 8/31

Today we jumped into Chapter 2 withLesson 2.1, which focused onsequences. We learned today that often times you have to do a lot of critical thinking and deep analysis to write sequences and discover patterns, clues, and rules. There's no substitute for this careful consideration and critical thinking, and it takes honest, determined practice to get good at it.

Tonight's homework will require this kind of careful consideration. Feel free to use all tools at your disposal (drawings, charts, tables, whatever!). Remember to think first about what the problem is asking you to do (is it only one thing, or more than one thing?). Then consider what you know, and what clues may have been left for you. The next step is to come up with a plan to solve.

Parents: If you're helping your son or daughter at home, please consider asking the above questions first and pushing them to try to "unlock" the problem on their own. It may not come naturally, but that's what they need to practice. The process is the goal, not necessarily the final solution. There are only a few problems on each nightly assignment, but they do require a great deal of deep thinking and careful work.

Homework: Textbook pages 50-53 (Problems 7, 10, and 11)

Monday 8/29

Don't forget that there is a test over the material from chapter 1.   As I've been saying several times, that you may use your notes warmups or handouts to help.  Review your notes and use the chap. summary at the end of the chapter for practice problems, that have been worked out for you to check your answers.

Thurs 8/25

Today we finished our look at Lesson 1.3 with a linear equations bar model packet.

Be sure to check today's classwork at the link above.

Homework: Finish the rest of the linear equations worksheets

Wed. 8/24

We tackled the first part of Lesson 1.3 in class today, using a bar model to simplify and make sense of complicated questions.

We worked through the first two parts of Problem 1 together. You'll finish the second two parts on your own tonight.

Be sure to double-check your class work with the lesson linked above in the first sentence.

We'll continue with more bar model work tomorrow.

Homework: Textbook pages 26-27 (#3-4) PERIODS 3&4 CAN TRY, BUT WE WILL GO OVER IN CLASS ON THURS.

Tues 8/23

Today we tackled  Lesson 1.2, specifically concentrating on equations with infinite solutions. 

Be sure to double-check your class work each day with the solutions provided here. If you're feeling a bit confused or overwhelmed at times (which is natural when you learn new things!), thoroughly reviewing the class work each day is a great way to help improve your understanding. It takes work, but it's worth it!

Homework: Textbook pages 22-23, "Talk the Talk"Probs 1&2

Wednesday 8/17

We completed Lesson 1.1 today and wrapped up our intro to writing and solving two-step equations. Be sure to check your classwork with the solutions provided at the Lesson 1.1 link.

Homework: Worksheet – please show work on a separate sheet of paper

Tues 8/16

Today in class we began Lesson 1.1 and will complete the second half of it tomorrow. Make sure to double check your class work answers each day with the solutions linked here (click on "Lesson 1.1" to see the solutions). We completed problem 1a-c in class; please check it!

We spent a lot of the class period collaborating with partners to solve problems, and sharing our thoughts together as a class.

Homework Prob#2 all pages 7-9

Monday 8/15

Today we broke out the laptops for the first time this year and got ourselves acquainted with Desmos.

If you didn't get a chance to set-up a Desmos account today you're welcome to do so at home using desmos.com/calculator. Look for the green Create Account button. It's free, and all you need is an email address or a Google account.

We did our first Desmos Activity today. If you didn't get a chance to finish in class, you can do so at home by entering class code ZJTP at student.desmos.com.

Thursday 8/11

We took the straw tower challenge in class today. Students worked in groups to build a freestanding tower using only 25 straws, one yard of painters tape, and one rubber band.

 I was really impressed with the teamwork, innovation, and perseverance I saw today. I think that bodes well for a great year! The groups worked hard the entire period and did an excellent job! Lets keep this going classes!

Homework: None

Wednesday 8/10

Welcome to Mr. Vazquez's Math 8 class. Please be sure to bookmark this page and check back for daily updates! While you're poking around, feel free to check out many of the links at the side of the blog to begin investigating different resources that may be of benefit this year.

Today in class we talked about my expectations for the school year, daily and weekly routines, and many other nuts and bolts that will set us up for a successful year together. Tonight's homework is to review the curriculum paper with parents and fill out the signature slip at the bottom., and to share the Carnegie resource guide with your parents. 

Math 8 Curriculum Paper

Parents, we know there's a lot of paperwork on the first few days of school. I apologize for the heavy workload, but do appreciate you taking the time to review these with your child as I consider them all essential to helping them get off to a great start this year.

I'm looking forward to a great year with everyone!