7.1 Suggestions for Long-Term Success in Math

I was one of those students that had it pretty easy in math until about the time of algebra.  I could tune out the teacher most of the time and "figure out" the math I was required to do.  On some level I even passed through Algebra pretty well.

Unfortunately, instead of developing the tools I needed to succeed long-term in math I continued to look for quicker, easier ways of doing math.  By the time I got into Calculus my ability to just "figure out" math was not longer working.  I had not developed the problem-solving and reasoning I needed to continue into advanced mathematics.

Here are some simple (but time-consuming) suggestions:

• watch the videos at least once (jump ahead if it seems slow, review if you're uncertain)
• show all your work (done in columns so you can more easily track errors with negatives)
• check your answers (especially if the instructions ask you to)
• use our tools of algebra to help you:
• a grid for word problems
• a function table (x,y) with labels
• a graph with labels
• the function written as a linear equation (y=mx+b)

I'll quiz you tomorrow on these as an extra credit you can apply later.

Today, please watch the video of me solving question #3 on your homework.

HW: Practice Sheet 7.1, #s 1-4 
(For question #4, feel free to substitute non-blooming annuals cost $1.60 and the total for 24 plants is $48.)