The document summarizes a class on algebra that included: 1) Warm-up exercises on large and small numbers. 2) An overview of what algebra is and isn't. 3) An example of a simple algebra rule. 4) Details about notebook organization and participation grading from the syllabus. 5) Examples of actions that qualify for lunch-time service if a student misbehaves. 6) An algebra review and class work assignment.

1. September 4, 2013
Today:
Submit Signed Syllabus Document
Warm-Up
A Closer Look at the Syllabus
Working with Variables

2. Warm-Up: Number Sense
Large & Small Numbers
1. What number comes after a trillion? A Quadrillion
How many trillions in a quadrillion?
Write your answer in numbers and words:
2. How far is a one-way trip from the Earth to the Sun?
1000
20,420,060,000 miles
Twenty billion, four-hundred twenty million, sixty-
thousand miles. (‘and’ is not a number)

3. Warm-Up: Number Sense
Large & Small Numbers
Write your answer in numbers and words:
3. In inches, what is the average width of a human hair?
0.007 inch Seven -Thousandths of an inch
A thousand hairs lined up is how long?
Write your answer in numbers and words:
4. In seconds, how long does it take a hummingbird to
flap its wings one time?
7 inches
0.12 seconds Twelve-Hundredths of a second

4. :Algebra: What it is and isn’t
Algebra is: A system (set of rules) for solving problems
involving mathematics.
Algebra is not: The only method to solve problems. In fact,
every problem we do this year could be solved without
algebra. It would take a lifetime to do it, though.
Understand this….
There are no Algebra problems. There are problems which can
be solved easier by using Algebra as your solution system.
For example, let’s solve this problem without algebra first:
Two more than the sum of three consecutive numbers is 200.

5. A Simple Algebra Rule Example
1. 8 + 7 = 15; 8 = 2. 15 – 7 = 8; 15 =
3. x + 7 = 15; x = 4. x - 7 = 8; x =
5. 8 * 4 = 32; 8 = 6. 32/4 = 8; 32 =

6. A Closer Look at the Syllabus:
A. Notebook: Your notebook is to be divided into three sections:
1. Warm-Up
2. Formulas & Vocabulary
3. Class Notes & Practice Problems
Always begin your entry with the date. On most days, half of
the warm-up exercises will be solved. The remaining problems
will be graded on effort and correctness.
Your participation grade includes solving warm-up questions
the board when called, and regularly teaching your partner the
step-by-step solution to one of the assigned class work
problems.

7. A Closer Look at the Syllabus:
Lunch-Time Service (LTS)
The following are examples of actions/behaviors that qualify
for LTS. You can bring work with you if you have, if not, I will
provide you a short assignment: LTS occurs at the beginning of
lunch that day. 4th period service is the following class day.
Example Time (minutes)
Tardy: 15
Water/Restroom 15
Every 3rd class work not submitted 30
Disruptive Behavior, Prohibited Items 15
Time doubles if no-show on 1st day, referral to Mr. Davis if
no show for 2 days.

8. Algebra Review:
See Handout.

9. Class Work:
Pages 1-2: All (Inc. Mixed Review)
After today, class work will almost always be
limited to around 20 questions