Algebra 2 with Mrs. Kamenar

  Thought for the Week Topic 8: Rational Expressions This week, we will wrap up our study of rational expressions.  We will continue to graph rational functions.  We will also analyze our graphs and determine the amount of stretch applied to the graph and how the graph shifts when compared to the parent function of y = 1/x.  Students should expect to complete a summative assessment during our last class of the week. Looking Ahead: Exam Schedule We have a little bit of time left in the semester before our exams, but they are right around the corner.  Check out the schedule below:

Thought for the Week Festive Dress-Up Days Join in the fun! Topic 8: Rational Expressions and Functions This week, we will start our 8th topic of the year.  We will start off this week by officially defining a "rational expression".  We will then spend time reviewing how to factor polynomials using the following tools: Greatest Common Factor Difference of Squares Difference of Cubes Sum of Cubes Trinomials - The "Box" Method Once we have reviewed these methods, we will put them to work when we simplify our rational expressions.  We will also review how we can use synthetic and long division to simplify a division expression involving polynomials.

Thought for the Week   Wrapping Up Topic 7: Direct, Inverse, and Joint Variation This week, we will wrap up our seventh topic of the year.  We will spend Monday's class learning about joint variation.  In general, we will look at a relationship that involves three quantities.  For example, the area of a rectangle is dependent on its length  and its width .   During the last part of the week, we will prepare for our topic 7 summative assessment.  We will complete this assessment during our last day of class for the week.

Thought for the Week   Topic 7: Modeling with Inverse and Joint Variation This week, we will move into our seventh topic for the year.  We will start off by talking about direct variation.  We are talking about things that are directly proportional and fit into the equation y = kx.  Think about the number of hours you work is directly proportional to the amount you earn on your paycheck. We will then talk about inverse variation.  For example, if we have 30 cookies and want to share them with our friends.  The more friends that we share with, the fewer cookies that each person gets.  Things that vary inversely fit into the equation xy = k.