April 28th

A double block of math never hurt anyone. I hope all is well and that you're not having any difficulty with the homework. I appreciate your attention for the majority of the day but this day wasn't without its problems. Algebra is boring but it'll get better if we can just get over this small hump. Then, it's off to magic, group problems, and algebra games.
Today, we reinforced the idea of an expression and an equation. We also figured out how to solve algebraic equations that have a subtraction operator and algebraic equations that have an addition operator. This was proved using the little wooden blocks.
I've linked the answers to the homework questions on this website. I've also provided a .pdf of today's homework. If you have any problems with it, please email me. Remember, 25% or more of test questions come from homework. As well, the homework that you handed in to me to mark is in your journals. You can collect it and the $50 is on the last page of the journal. THE JOURNAL STAYS IN CLASS!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! If you didn't get that, the journals are not to leave the classroom.
Mr.Jay

April 26

Even I was a little bored with my lesson today. Hope it was okay with all of you. Division 17 has homework: page 367 #6, 10, 12. They are now in the midst of evaluating expressions and describing and creating algebraic expressions.
Divison 18 doesn't have homework since they are a class behind 17.
Mr.Jay

April 25th

So far, we have progressed at a relatively slow rate by doing only a little amount of algebra and looking at review of math prior to this point. The math journals seem to be okay but you must start writing more than just the basic and obvious. Since this book is availabe to you during assessments, it is to your benefit to include as much detail and information about the stuff we are doing as possible.

So, I believe that we've answered the question of (-4) x (-4) = 16. The negative time and negative event concept was the biggest hurdle for many as most of you insisted in including dead people in your explanations. I hope my train example (going backwards in time and westerly on the x-axis results in a positive distance for where you will eventually get to) is clear.

Homework for Division 17 is prove 5^-6 = (1/5)^6. The ^ represent supersubscript or exponent. The second question was prove 3/2 divided by 1/2 = 3. Tomorrow begins the real work in algebra. Bring your minds and a sharp pencil.

Homework for Divison 18 is prove (-4) x (-4) = 16 and think about 5^-6 = (1/5)^6. You're one class behind 17.

Mr Jay

Math 8

Today and yesterday was a review of what you need to know to do algebra. A little disappointing today. Even though the tasks were at a grade eight level, the math was at a grade 5, 6 and 7 level. Please consider the tutorials if you had any difficulty with this math. Tomorrow . . . on to algebra. Fasten your seatbelts. It'll be a wild ride.
Mr. Jay

Algebra on the 14th

Yesterday, we set guidelines for what I expect from you students and what you can expect from me. The method that I will use to get your attention is Mrs. Midgley's raised hand method and you all agreed to raise your hands when you have something to say.

The 6 methods that I will implement during the remainder of the year:
1. Going over the provincial learning outcomes (what the province requires me to teach you in grade 8 math)
2. Keep this website updated everyday with information and practice thingys.
3. 25% of your math tests will come directly from homework questions
4. I will reduce the number of homework questions that you have to do
5. We will answer one test question every tutorial
6. Writing journals

That's all for now.