High School Math Roundup
by Theron Troxel
February 10, 2010
Algebra 1
Students in algebra I class just finished learning about linear systems of equations and inequalities. Students learned three methods to solve linear systems. The methods were graphing, substitution, and combination. Students learned that depending on the problem, one method might be easier than the next. However, the majority of the class solved these systems by using combination.
Algebra 2
Algebra 2 class has been studying exponents and powers. The first part of the chapter gave the students many different rules on how to simplify powers and expressions. The three main rules studied so far were the product of powers, the power of powers, and the powers of products. Here are a few examples of each rule:
Product of Powers: x5x3 = x8
Power of Products: (x2)5 = x10
Powers of Products: (3x)4 = 34x4 = 81x4.
Geometry
Students in geometry class just finished the chapter of transformations. Students learned about three transformations: rotation about a fixed point, reflection over a line, and translation (slide) in a certain direction. Students learned about compositions, which is requires more than one transformation to create a single transformation. The chapter ended with Frieze patterns. These patterns are produced by various transformations. Frieze patterns are frequently found in wall paper and wall borders.
Calculus
The first semester of the class is largely spent on derivatives and optimizing problems. Students learned why most containers in a grocery store are cylinders. They found out the least amount of material for the greatest amount of volume is a sphere. However, this would not be practical in stacking items, so the “next best” container is usually a cylinder.
The second semester of the class is largely spent with integrations. The students just started to work with integrations. This week they learned the Fundamental Theorem of Calculus, which now gives them a formula to solve integrations. Integrations are useful for finding the area of functions bounded by the x-axis. In the past, students were only able to find area of figures that have a geometric shape such as squares, rectangles, etc. Now with calculus, this opens a door form more intricate problems and starting to see some engineering type problems.
