Area of Composite Figures

Sometimes we get figures that we can't figure as is, so we break them up into smaller figures we know how to find, such as triangles, rectangles, and trapezoids.  Here's a picture to show you an example:

Area of Polygons

So, here's what we've been doing the last couple of days.  Hoping to get back to blogging everyday for more current updates.

Review Day and practice online

Alright, let's say you want to do some practice in preparation for tomorrow's evidence gathering (quiz) about the properties and beginning algebra, and you are looking for an online practice quiz, here you go:

http://www.bigideasmath.com/protected/content/dcs_cc2/g6/c03/ct/tp_03_ct.htm

Quiz tomorrow and hoping that everyone proves their knowledge to a level of 3.

Factoring Out with GCF

Today we looked at a problem like this:

8 + 2

Normally we'd just say 10 and move on, but today we were factoring out the GCF and re-writing the problem in the following format:

GCF ( factor + or - factor)

So, it would be:

2 ( 4 + 1)

Still 10, but written differently.  This is an algebra readiness skill for later in their math career, but they seem to be picking it up quickly.

Tomorrow Review
Wednesday: Quiz

This week's schedule

Monday - Associative and Commutative Properties
Tuesday - Distributive Property
Wednesday - Distributive Property practice
Thursday and Friday - WKCE math tests in class.  Bring pencil and SSR book to class. 

Expressions

Today we laid the groundwork for the algebraic expressions that will becoming more important throughout their middle and high school careers.  Here's an example of what we're talking about currently:

This week we are looking at expressions and next week we continue with WKCE testing on Thursday and Friday of next week.  No need to prepare, just do your best.  Also, conference forms are coming home with times.  If you have a specific math question, please email me and I'll make sure to either tell your Cares teacher or I'll email you back with the answer.  Thanks!

Online gradebook and Chapter 3 pretest

Today is as it sounds, we tried (with some success) to log into the online gradebook.  You can ask you child about that and we'll work on it again another day.  Also we pretested on Chapter 3, so tomorrow we're talking a little more algebraically.  That's about it, not much else. 

In cares the topic we were giving was "Is rap music negatively affecting our youth?"  If you have thoughts on that you can also post and I'll share with the class.