b.o.b. 10/28 (late)

Whenever I am doing anything in life inlookbfor patterns or similarities. Some times this can set m back because not everything has a pattern. But when I was learning how to graph things it made mynlife 100 x easier. I notices that if the degree is even then both ends will be pointing in the same direction. If it is odd they will point in opposite directions. Whether it is posotive or negative determines whether the end furthest right will point up or down. If itbis posoticlve, its going to point up. If it is negative, its going to point down. Examples:if it is even and negative then both ends will point down. If its odd and negative the left end will point up and the right end will point down. If it is even and positive both ends will point up. If it is odd and positive the left end will point down ans the right end will point up.

Bob #5

This last week of class was pretty fun.  I like how there is multiple ways to solve a problem and you just have to find out which one works.  At first I thought the dividing by a x intercept would be extremely hard but since I've practiced it alot I am actually confident a can do it correctly.  Also when Mr.Jackson was describing the big project I was kind of confused and worried that it would be very hard but Jason and I talked about some ideas we could do and I think this will be very interesting at least.   I look forward to this next week of class.
-Dakota

bob

weekly reflection
this week was somewhat packed with info but no prop. the DEV project was introduced and in excited to get that underway. test on tues so i will probably pop in after school on mon to clear a few things up in terms of factoring.

Bob

This week has been pretty easy with the long division and the grouping. I like how we are changing seats so we can work with new people it was hard to get the hang of it but it was a good idea.  The DEV project looks a little difficult but I think it is going to be fun and a really good review for the exam.

Bob

So far the polynomial division has not been as hard as expected. It seems to come to me fairly easy and is almost enjoyable. The seating arrangement has been pretty helpful to me and I seem to be understanding the information. The D.E.V project may be difficult, but we'll see how it goes.

Bob

This past week it was very interesting to see how everything is coming together. Truthfully when mr. Jackson showed us up on the board about how you find the domain, that's when domain clicked in my head for the first time. It just really made sense of why u write the intervals, trying to find the solutions that are not negative on the graph. I'm glad everything is coming together and I am excited for the test because I believe I understand everything better.

B.o.B.

My progress in this class has gotten way better since the begining of this trimester. I feel as if the next unit is  easier than the last one. My muddiest point in this current unit is perfect cubes and how to factor them. im not really good at factoring in the first place so when there is more steps added, it just gets more difficult

B.O.B. - Vance W.

The past week went pretty well for me. I managed to stay on top of the homework for the most part, and with some practice I was up to speed with the content. It took a little while to get familiar with long division, of all things, and though it might not be my favorite thing in the world, it's not too bad once you get used to it. Overall, I'm really pleased with the pace of this class so far. Not fast enough that I can't keep up, and not slow enough to get boring or tedious.

B.O.B.

I feel really confident about the test Tuesday based on my quiz score and my understanding of the homework. I really hope that this test turns out well. Sarah has been helping me so much lately with understanding the long division and I really appreciate it. Im really glad that she is one of my table partners. I am also really excited about the D.E.V. project and working together with Taylor and Kristen on it!

BOB

This week was one of the best weeks I've had. The new material has been easy for me to understand, and believe it or not, it's been enjoyable as well. I like the graphing section of this unit, it's always nice to have a break from overwhelming difficult math problems. I'm a little nervous to start the big project. Hilary told me it isn't all that bad and I'll be fine but it seems so time consuming, and time is something I lack because of sports. Hopefully as I start to work on it, things will sort themselves out and I won't get stressed. 

B. O. B.

At the end of this fantastic week we learned how to long divide polynomials and then we connected that to domain of high powered polynomials. At first glance this looked like quite a challenging thing but before we were even given a worksheet we watched a video on how to long divide polynomials as homework. The Kahn academy video with Sal's relaxing voice really helped me to understand what to do before we learned how to do the long division in class. If you're struggling with long division, watch the long division video! The tricky part is getting the signs correct during the subtraction stage of long dividing but slowing down and focusing on each number has helped me a ton. The domain part is even easier as long as you know how to correctly graph the polynomial function. The graph helps me to visualize exactly where the graph is positive, giving me the domain. Stay classy Mason, buy a yearbook, and Go Bulldogs!

B.O.B. 6

This week during precalc we worked more with polynomials. I think I understand this pretty well, but just have to be sure to remember the factoring stuff, because that was the part of the quiz that I did the worst on.  Although this is true, we also did some things with long division.  I do understand it, but I fail to see the purpose of it, because it can be quite time consuming, especially if it has to be repeated.  Other than that I think I understand the material fairly well, and I hope to do well on the test!

BOB reflection

This week went by fairly smoothly for me. I understood the factoring very well and remembered a good majority of it on the quiz. Although I do sometimes make a silly error now and then from rushing and not paying attention to detail. I actually liked the division of polynomials. I like that there is a set of steps to follow which I can do well. Although I am glad that a calculator will be allowed on the test. It is also kind of interesting how the one problem can combine almost everything we have learned so far. It makes everything seem more applicable. I'm slightly nervous for the test however because I still have a few things that I need to clear up, about the factoring part. Other than that, I feel as though I am ready to take it. I'm also a little bit nervous for the D.E.V. Project but I am sure if I put in a lot of hard work I can come up with a good project. 

BoB

What is one thing that I have learned this week? In reflecting? I realize that it is how to factor polynomials. I thought that the methods used in factoring polynomials were not as complex or difficult as previous units, which was nice. After struggling through this class, It is nice to feel a little bit of hope. The methods of long division and grouping made sense to me, which I really enjoyed. Overall, this past week has been a good one, and I hope the one to come will be as well. 

BOB

The project we just got introduced looks pretty scary and pretty tough. I don't know really what I'm going to do for it yet but I want to do something that's not original. Something completely different. Since I am going to be working alone I am going to have to require a lot of help from Mr. Jackson. Hopefully I will be able to finish this project and get a good grade on it because I could really use it. 

Alex's declassified school survival guide (wohohohohh)

High school is a very complex time for all students to go through. For some people it's the grades, for some it's fitting in, and others it's finding time to balance out of school events while not having a mental break down. Few can say that they have mastered the techniques of surving high school, and I am definitely not one of those people. I can, though, help give some tips and tricks to survive the rough years of high school. 

  

 Step one. Do your work. This may sound like a simple and obvious tip, but it is surprising how much doing your work work will help you succeed. This doesn't mean just the required work, even the practice ones. The more you practice, the better you get. Sometimes, doing the extra work will help things click in your head. If you still don't understand, then you might want to move to the next step. 

  

 Step two. Ask. You would not believe how many people might have the same question as you. You may be afraid to ask the question because you think people will make fun of you, but chances are someone else has the same exact question. The teacher is there for a reason. If you are really to uncomfortable to ask during school, stay after and ask the teacher. Sometimes one on one help can make the difference. 

  Step three. Plan ahead. I know it is fun to hang out with your friends and watch tv, but sometimes a little bit of planning out your schedule around homework will make life much easier. True, it isn't super cool to tell your friends to wait an hour while you do homework, but then you don't have to waste your precious sleeping time writing 12 pages on The Kite runner. Also, another option is to start a study group where you get some buddies together, get your homework done, and then hang out.

 My last step is step 4. Enjoy the experience. People make high school out to be the worst experience to ever happen, but in reality, this could be one of the best parts of your life, all depending on how you go about it. Life is all about perspective, and you are the person who chooses how to live their life. Don't look at this time of your life as a bad time, stuck going to lame school, but rather a time for new experiences which learning will help you with your later life.

 

 These tips, although simple and kind of lame, are what have made these past years of high school a great experience for me and have helped me succeed enough to get by and be happy. All in all, just try your best and you will survive the high school experience. 

  

B.o.b

I am nervous for the test. This past week I have been very focused so I believe I have the chance to get the best grade that I've gotten so far. Some may think that would make me less nervous. But it actually adds more pressure. I want to do my very best. So I'm going to push myself and work even harder to get an even better grade. I was always wishing I would understand better, so I studied more and I do understand better. Now I want to understand even more. I find myself always looking forward. I can always do better! My overall feeling towards this class has changed from "this is hard." To "challenge accepted!" I believe Jackson's inspiring texts play a huge role in my mood change towards this class! Thanks Jackson!

BOB

Last week was a bit confusing and difficult, but I still managed to learn and work through it. So far I have found this polynomial unit to be more intellectually demanding than the last unit. Despite this unit's difficulty, with practice I should do well on the impending test.

Bob

This last week we were workin on polynomials. At first I panicked when I saw that we would be long dividing because I totally forgot how to do it. But as the unit went on it actually really isn't that bad I understand most of it my only problem is that after long dividing factoring to find the domain I know how to find the domain and all, but it's the factorinng that bothers me. Other than that I feel pretty confident so far!

BOB

The work of this last week has been pretty confusing but once I start doing more and more questions and problems on the subject I can understand really quick. Hopefully I do better on this test than the others 

Bob #maybe6

This week in Jackson's pre calc functions class, I have had some trouble understanding how to long devide polynomial functions. It was very confusing at first because I couldn't spend much time at home looking over this work with this weeks busy schedule. Looking back at it now, I don't know why I was so confused, because it makes a lot more sense. The only thing I am still struggling is deciphering the options for what technique. There are a lot of choices and I can't figure out which one will work and I am afraid I will chose the wrong one. Overall, my understanding of how to factor the functions are pretty good now. I am very close to being ready for this weeks test. 

BOB thoughts of the week that was just finished

I like polynomials.  I understand them better than the other units, and I find it easy to finish a vast majority of the work during class.  On a less positive note, I am concerned about the D.E.V project.  Coming up with problems that work that aren't too messy is a concern.  I'm also not sure how I'm going to get it online, I can't make a video because I don't know how to make videos, for example.  Mostly though, I am concerned as how to make the problems difficult enough.  If there was a diagram on the difficulty levels, I would find that helpful.  As it is, I don't really rank problems, I just try to do them.

B.O.B.

I felt really good this week.  I did well on my last test, so my grade went up.  I understand what we are doing in class, and am looking forward to the D.E.V. project.  I enjoy dividing polynomials, and graphing them.  Finding the domain is so much easier for me now.

B.O.B.

This week has been going pretty good! I am actually pretty good at graphing and writing equations for polynomials. The one thing I have been struggling with however is factoring but I know I will get better at that with practice. I was also really happy with how I did on my test retake, it just shows how hard work really does pay off.

B.O.B.

I finally understand the concept of finding the domain and range of a function. I did very well on the test on tuesday. I studied very hard for it and I’m very content with my new grade in this class. Now I just have to retake the first test. There were some problems from the first test that were brought up on the second, and they were a lot easier the second time around. I’m glad I went back and re-studied everything that I didn’t know from the first unit, because to really understand what is going on, you have to make sure you understand everything, and don’t fall behind.

How to survive high school

High school can seem like a very scary place.  Before you get here, you may hear many scary rumors about getting shoved into lockers and having your lunch money taken from you, but in reality high school is not that bad. You just need to remember a few rules to make sure your year goes by smoothly.

Rule number one, is to find out where all of your classes are at the freshmen orientation; or sometime before the first day of school. Make sure you do NOT ask an upperclassmen where to find your class. Upperclassmen will usually point you to the opposite side of the school, just for a laugh. If you forget to find your classes ahead of time, try checking one of the maps of the school posted by the field house doors, or by the main office. You could also ask a nearby teacher, or go to the office for help.

Rule number two, is do not stand in the middle of the hallway. Even if you are in your grade’s hallway, if some upperclassmen walk down, they will shove their way through, and that may end up in some sort of conflict.  So if you accidently are stopped near the middle of the hallway and you see upperclassmen walking your way, just navigate your way towards the nearest wall, or lockers and there should be no trouble.

Rule number three, is try not to stand out for wrong reasons. If you are an underclassman, and you make a bad attempt to be noticed, this may end up poorly for you. Putting yourself out there is the first step to getting torn down, and some upperclassmen with leap at the opportunity to do that.

Rule number four, is to not preset your locker, and make sure you keep your combination a secret! There are many nosy people that walk through the high school. Although you don’t have to worry about people bullying you for your lunch money, if your locker is pre set and someone happens to open it and see your money, they might take it. All of your other belongings are also just sitting there up for grabs. So keep yourRule number three, is try not to stand out for wrong reasons. If you are an   locker locked. Also, you may want to share your combination with some of your best friends or your significant other, but just remember that once you get to high school everything changes and the people you use to know as your best friends may become your worst enemies by the end of the very first trimester. Also, chances are, you and your boyfriend/ or girlfriend may get in a fight or break up, and then they have the power to abuse your items in your locker. So make sure your locker remains locked and your combination, a secret.

Rule number five is to work towards earning a high GPA. If you start out your high school experience by trying hard and getting good grades, then you should end up with a very good GPA. But if you do not care about your grades and blow off your classes’ freshman year, then your GPA will drop significantly. Once your GPA drops it is very hard to get back up and you only have one GPA to build off of for your entire high school experience. The classes you take later in high school will only get harder, so make sure you take advantage of the easy classes by making sure you are trying hard to keep good grades.

You see, high school really isn't that scary if you know what you are getting yourself into. If you follow these five rules, they will help to make your high school experience a lot easier and very enjoyable.

B.O.B

So this week started out being a lot of review for me, but as soon as we hit midweek things started to go downhill, I just can't understand anything anymore, But it's  good thing I sit next to Olivia and Stone Freaking Miller. I don't know about another classes but I don't think the students are struggling, I feel like Mr. Jackson is struggling to help everyone constantly,but I guess that's what you get for pushing people beyond their limits, am I right? But for real I real need to step up my game but it's hard to focus on my math with all the activities I'm in, guess I'll just have to cut down.

BOB

Once again, everything is going great.  I got all of my homework done pretty fast which is always a good sign. I was very happy with the test scores we got this week and I hope that same score appears on the test we are about to take this Tuesday. I've been making sure to review everything we've been learning, not just the prior weeks material, because you never know what might come up on the test. Hope this week goes as well as the past few have been.

BOB - makeup

How to Survive High School

I remembering my first day of high school pretty well, I was very nervous and afraid. Now that I am a junior, I do not know why! High school has been the reasoning for some of my best memories. However, I must admit, having an older sister help me with all difficult decisions has been a HUGE help! Here are some of the things she has passed onto me and some of the things I have learned:

• Do not wait until the last minute to schedule your classes online! Most of the fun electives have already been taken by the upperclassmen as it is. Try your best to have an idea of the classes you want and have a backup plan or two! If you cannot get a certain class, it is not the end of the world!

• Go to school. I know this sounds silly but the more class you miss, the harder it gets. I missed a whole week of school and it was so hard to catch back up!

• Try to pay attention in class, even if it is your least favorite subject! Get as much sleep as you can so you are not falling asleep in class. Most teachers will not give you sympathy when you are lost.

• Spread your wings! You can join so many fun activities, clubs, and sports teams! Talk to new people! There are so many different people, not just your class anymore!

• Stay organized! Do not just throw your papers into your backpack or locker. They will get lost or you will forget to turn them in. Most high school teachers do not accept late work.

• Check your grades frequently. Go onto Skyward and keep track of missing assignments and your grades. Many teachers allow test corrections or a retake. Take advantage of those opportunities.

• As you get older, try to take AP classes. They are “Advanced Placement” classes or college course classes. They will help you when it comes time to take college and it does not cost nearly as much.

• On your own time study and do your homework. Sometimes homework may not be required. However, it will help when it comes time to take a test and you know what to do!

• It may seem like a waste of time for some people, but study. Some people can get away with not studying at all. You need to find a system that you like and helps you. For example; flashcards, taking notes, or writing a word 5 times.

• Have FUN! You are only in high school once so live it up! Go to football games and cheer! Take everything in before it’s over, because in only 4 years it will be over!

BOB

Feeling moderately confident with the unit. I need help badly on the division and finding rational zeros. I'll probably be in early tomorrow to get some help. Other than that if been a pretty smooth unit so far. 

B.O.B. Reflection

This week was a good/stressful week for me we had our test and i did better then the last one and i'm happy but i can do way better and most of the points i lose is because i forgot steps that screws up all my answers like factoring and making quadratic functions. I've been getting better at the graphing and the long division i was worried i wouldn't get it but i have figured out the process and its became way easier for me and also Kristen is at my table and she helps a lot because she knows how to do it so if i need to check answers i ask her and its great to compare to make sure i'm doing the right thing. I'm hoping with all the practice i have done this week and doing the review i will be ready for the test Tuesday.

Reflection

Last week was not a really good or a really ad week for me.  It was hard to focus in class, and I became frustrated when I didn't get something right away.  I finally took a step back and realized that the material wasn't that hard, and I was just too stubborn/tired to see it.  Once I figured out what I was doing wrong, I did a lot better on the worksheets.  Hopefully I won't bomb the test this week.

B.O.B. meets Poly.

Polynomials are alright, sometimes I get them and sometimes it just takes me a few minutes to understand them. I really like dividing the polynomials when the already have a factor for them. The main reason for this is that I have a super hard time finding the factor for the polynomial. I know it isn't that hard but I just don't get it. I'll be visiting Mr. Jackson on Monday morning to figure this problem out and hopeful that will bring some clarity to my issue.

B.O.B. meets Poly.

Polynomials are alright, sometimes I get them and sometimes it just takes me a few minutes to understand them. I really like dividing the polynomials when the already have a factor for them. The main reason for this is that I have a super hard time finding the factor for the polynomial. I know it isn't that hard but I just don't get it. I'll be visiting Mr. Jackson on Monday morning to figure this problem out and hopeful that will bring some clarity to my issue.

B.O.B.

When we started the week i thought it was gonna be rough when the first question on the review was division, without a calculator. But as soon as i was retaught the steps, everything has become a lot simpler. It's repetitive to me now and actually kind of fun! Knowing how to draw and pull an equation out of a graph helps clear up questions about domain and i finally understand it! Factoring is still tough but I'm learning that practice is what is gonna help me get it, I'm ready for this test and i am gonna go into it fully confident in myself and hopefully it will pay off!

b.o b .

This week, I came in before class and learned domain, finally. I really needed to learn it and I'm glad I did. It helps a lot being able to include domain in the problems we are doing in the polynomial unit. I am doing a lot better in this unit and I am a lot more confident. I will be missing the review day before the test so I am hoping that I can study well enough on my own.

B.O.B #reflection

During this week in Precalc Functions, my class and i had a quiz on graphing and factoring Polynomials.It was 6 questions that i thought i could master, but come to find out i needed alot more practice with factoring the functions.

As i got to the botton two on factoring, i starred at the last one for almost 2 minutes straight. Now i knew the quiz was open note, but if i looked at my notes that means i dont know that part of the material and means i wont still know it when the test comes around. So i looked at my Survival Guide: Factoring pink sheet. This eqaution i was solving was x^4 - 16. When i solved my equation i got (x^2-4)(x^2+4) and i left it like that. Well, i wasnt done yet! it can still be factored more because 4 is a perfect square root.

Overall, i knew on the quiz that the last 2 questions on factoring i got wrong because i never completly finished factoring them. So before the test tuesday i am studying studying studying and tommorow i will be asking my group and Mr Jackson help on factoring. i need to learn how to solve equations with out my notes and i also need to learn to finish square rooting if there is some and finish cube rooting if it is a perfect number for it.

B.O.B.-This Coming Week

This week is going to be really challenging for me because I won't be in class at all. I'll be coming in early every morning but that will make for 5 fifteen-hour days right in a row for me. Still, I'm really excited for this week. I just have to make sure I'm ready for this test and I think I'll be alright. I'm really thankful that that Precalc is the only big class I'll be missing this week. And I know for a fact that Shakespeare Immersion is going to be amazing and some of the most fun I'll have this year. So although I'm a little anxious, I'm more excited than anything.

B.O.B.-reflection

This week went fairly well.  I love my table group and we help each other out a lot.  I am doing really well with the graphing and writing equations for graphs, but on the quiz I found out some things that I need to work on before the test.  Like most of my classmates, the factoring part on the quiz was rough for me.  I need to remember to use the factoring formulas and factor completely.  Both of my answers were halfway done, and if I had continued in factoring I would have gotten the correct answer.  This being said, I now know that I need to slow it down and take my time to make sure that my answer is complete.

B.O.B.

This week I have been caught up in my work more than previous units. I feel really confident in a lot of the stuff that we are learning, especially grouping. After we took the quiz, I was reminded of some of the areas that I need to work on before the test. I feel good about going into the test on Tuesday and I hope my grade reflects that.

B.O.B.

This week, we learned about polynomial division, and to be honest, I thought that it was pretty nifty.  I never really learned how to do long division in elementary school like people normally do.  Just the term long division makes me nervous.  But when we learned about polynomial division, long division didn't freak me out as much as it used to.  It turns out that it's really not that difficult and not that scary.  For me, just being able to divide using long division makes me pretty happy, and now I actually understand it.
-Haley

B.O.B. - class reflection

I didn't understand the long division, for a long time... Then I went to Jackson on Friday morning, he explained to me, and now it makes sense:) I decided to help, people who have problems as well with long division:)

1) Factor a variables or numbers out, that all the terms have in common.
    Write this common factors in front of the other terms, this is important, that, when it is a variable you
    don't forget to plug a zero, as a x-intercept in.

2) Divide: Look at the variable you have to divide in and look at the variable in the term you have to
    divide. Then when you found out, how many times you have to multiply the term you have to
    divide by, to get the closes/smaller to the number/variable in the term, write this number on top of
    the root! So now, you know the number you have the term (divide by) to multiply with so now, you
    distribute. When you've done this, write the distributed answer under the term.

3) Subtract: Subtract the term, you've found out from the original term and write the "rest" under a line.

4) Drop: Drop the next number and you have again a term. Start over at division!

I know, that it is just Jackson's instruction in my words, but probably it helps some of you:)

B.O.B.- class reflection

This week we spent a lot of time doing long division. Long division is very useful for finding x-intercepts and covering your paper with a bunch of work. It is very time consuming but I understand why we needed to learn it. I felt that my quiz grade was pretty good and I'm not that concerned about it. If you are struggling, always remember: divide, distribute, subtract, drop. Have a good day folks.

B.O.B

So far my progress in this class is slower than it has been in the past. I have always had a hard time with my math and the fact that I decided to take basically three math classes in the same trimester probably wasn't my best idea. However, my grades are slowly going up with each new unit, and my understanding is starting to become a little bit more clear. I'm hoping with this project we're doing will really help me out with my understanding and clear things up from past units.

-Hanna-R

B.O.B.- something cool

Once again this class has come to a point where we now have an "ultimatum" when solving a problem.  Factoring has always been a little annoying for me because there are so many problems that I couldn't solve until I learned this new way.  Long division is, by far, the most reliable way of factoring.  All you need is one x-intercept and you can completely factor any polynomial (as long as it can be factored).  I personally hate not being able to do something without my calculator and long division finally gives me a way to do previously impossible things.  To me it doesn't even matter that long division of polynomials takes so long, it can be used to factor so many polynomials that it is amazing.

BOB

This week has been better. I understand this unit a lot more than the previous ones and I am a lot more caught up on my work. I am still working on understanding the material from the past units. I am focusing really hard on what I have to do to get my grade where I want it to be by the end of the trimester. We got our project introduced to us on Friday, and I am excited about that. I'm excited to see what the project teaches me and how creative I can be with it. I already have my group picked out and I think we will work well together. I am going to work hard this week. And this is me wishing myself good luck on the test on Tuesday.

BOB

This week I was not able to watch the video on long dividing. I was worried that I would have trouble  understanding in class because I dd not see the video. However, mr. Jackson explained it during class and I was able to follow along quite well. I did struggle with it in the begging but with some help from class mates I feel comfortable with long dividing.

B.O.B Learned this week

I learned this week that long division isn't useless, but rather, very useful. It's a better way to find out if a point is or isn't an x-intercept and if it is it can be used to find other x-intercepts. Looking forward to this unit, it's very promising.

B.O.B.

When we first started this unit I thought I'd hate it. But as we kept going it wasn't so bad and it was pretty easy. The hardest part for me is knowing when I'm done factoring, but as long as I slow down and think about the work I understand it. I think this has been my favorite unit so far so I hope I'm ready for the test on tuesday.

B.O.B. Progress

So I am pretty happy with this class now. I am understanding this unit we just learned, and I just retook my first unit test and got a much better grade! In addition to the grade, I have a much better understanding on finding the domain of different functions.

Before we learned the other units I hardly knew where to start with finding the domain. Then I figured out that using the polynomials unit we can find out the domain of any function really easily. I was always scared to find the domain of rationals with a radical in the numerator or denominator. Now I find them really fun and know how to do them easily thanks to the polynomial rules.

All in all I am super happy that I understand things now.

BOB

This week has been somewhat promising for me! After the quiz I felt pretty good, but when we got it back I understood the mistakes I made on the bottom. I really like the group I sit with, they are helping me when needed! Also, after retaking my functions test, I thought I did really good! Which I did!! Hopefully that will help my overall grade! I have almost all of the homework done already! Just the review so I'm glad I've been keeping up with that! I feel prepared for the test!

BOB post

This week I was happy that I got an a on my quick quiz and proud that I'm boosting my grade back up from past tests and missed blog posts. I'm feeling pretty confident in the test on Tuesday but not so happy that the whole thing is only eight questions which means if I miss one I'm down to like a c.  Hopefully I don't miss any!

B.O.B.

So far in this unit I seem to not see I can factor after I long divide or group and so I get the wrong answer. I really need to focus on after I factor to go back to the pink sheet and keep factoring until I can't factor anymore. I have been getting better though. On the quiz though only missing one small part of factoring in the last two questions but I still need to get better at this for the test because I don't want to have myself missing a point or half a point on factoring for the test.

BOB reflective

so far this year in this class it started out terribly for me as classes usually do in the beginning of the year then after a couple of weeks it got easier till now in which i am starting my decline again. one good thing now though is that there is a project to work on which hopefully i have gotten a spot for the due date to be on the 18th. well that's about it for now

B.O.B. Week 6

At the beginning of this week I was, like last week, doing pretty good. When we got to factoring by grouping the other day, it took a little bit, going through a couple examples, but then I got it. It doesn't seem that hard to me; I only struggle with figuring out if I still have to reduce something (when there's still a perfect square left). 

Then Jackson told us to watch a video on polynomial long devision for homework, and I sort of freaked out about it. I thought it was going to be impossible; it sounds like it must be impossible. I watched the Khan Academy video and the guy did a good job of explaining it. I actually understood- it I didn't seem that hard! In class, too, I sort of got it. I struggle with making sure I subtract correctly (it seems simple, but it's actually really easy to mess up). I also sometimes struggle when there ends up being no remainder- having all those zeroes in the problem confuses me for some reason. The big problem I have is when I get to the end, and I have to find the zeroes. I was working on the homework last night and I just could not factor the cubic to get the zeroes. For some reason my brain decided to shut off and not let me figure out what to do. Guess I'll figure that out today. 

BOB

Getting help from my piers has come to a great use. I am able to figure out certain problems because they are able to help and show me how to do them. I hate that we change seats all the time because some groups I like being with because they really gel me others I don't because they are not very helpful. I hope I can keep getting piers that can help me in the future .

Bob 5

This week in Jackson's 4th hour was a pretty decent week. To start off, we got new seats again. I like the idea of moving seats once a week for the fact that it's a good way to get to know some people, or sit with others who you know but weren't sitting with before. So far in polynomial functions, I really enjoy it. The simplicity of what we are doing with graphing makes me happy, and I find them fun since it tests my artistic abilities. I'm hoping that the simplicity of this unit continues; although that assumption is usually wrong. Also we found out about little baby Jackson, which was very cool, go you! Overall, I feel pretty satisfied with this class and I hope this next week is full of polynomial goodness!

Bob

It's getting better. This new unit makes the most sense out of them all. It's a good feeling to know that after working on something for a long time it starts to click and make sense. I like the fact that this class challenges me. I dislike the fact I may not always perfect grasp the concept right away. I am becoming more confident in my math skills since being in this class, and I believe it will only get better. I'm determined to get my grade up and keep working on mastering all of the material.

B.O.B

Well, the week went by pretty easy and steady.  The test ended up being easier than I thought. I'm always super eager to see how I did on a test so I hate waiting; it gets to me. But thankfully we can view our grades online before the tests are handed back and I scored as well as I had hoped. The new material we're learning is coming to me great and I understand everything with no troubles. Now, hopefully it stays that way. I'm very happy with the new group i'm in and the way things are going. It's always a relief when you finish all of your work before the bell. Looking forward to seeing what's ahead of us this next week.

B.O.B

This week we have been working on graphing. I feel like it is one of the easiest units yet and the new seating arrangement has helped me learn and given a few laughs. I think that every class should change seats every week in the way that this class does. It has a certain element of surprise that I really enjoy.

Bob

I think this unit went smoothly it was refreshing my memory on how to do this unit and teaching me some more stuff.  I like my groups I have been going to and I believe I did good on my test because I use able to understand the unit when you were teaching us and it was pretty fun.  But over all I liked this unit.

Bob

This week has been one of my best in the class. Although I struggled with this unit far more than any other, I feel as if I have improved more in this one week than I have the past few. Sometimes in class work doesn't quite cut it, the stress, the distractions, the impatience among everyone waiting for that bell to ring. This week I extended my learning by coming in before school. At first I was embarrassed that I needed to find extra help for a better understanding, but my view changed completely after I left. Everything became clear to me and I could solve problems with ease. Never be afraid to seek extra assistance because failing to do so will only hurt yourself.  With one on one help every question can be answered within seconds and all the pieces come together much quicker. Had I not gone in, I would still be confused and my have done poorly on the test but thanks to mr. Jackson's devotion to his students I feel more confident and ready to take the next step.

B.O.B. Progress and Reflection

I feel that I have made great improvement throughout this trimester. This past week really helped me to understand new concepts and I felt really comfortable with the new material! The graphs came really quickly to me. The only thing I am having a little trouble with still is factoring out when the a value is not 1 or the greatest common factor. I will continue working on that skill as we continue in the unit!

BOB-reflection

This week we started a new unit- Polynomials. So far this unit seems pretty straight forward and I haven't had any difficulties with it so far, which is a relief. I also am glad that we are using more graphs in this unit because I like working with graphs and seeing how functions look when graphed.

B.O.B. #5

This last week in pre calc was actually kind of fun.  The test we took wasn't anywhere near as hard as I thought it was going to be.  I'm pretty sure I even got the hard challenge problem that required you to find the right equation for extra credit. In the new unit I liked how Mr. Jackson started the class all narrowed in by giving us the factored form and showing us how to find the shape of the graph and then slowly broadening it out until he was talking to us about starting with a quadratic equation and factoring it then creating the graph.  The hard part is just doing the factoring itself because I find it difficult to determine what factors of A go in front of which X numbers and what factors of the C value will add up to make the B value all while still taking into account that the A will affect the B value.  I also liked how he gave us a lot more time in class to work on the pages and talk to each other on how we got our answers and be able to fix our own mistakes instead of just having to skip the question like we would have if it was homework.  It was especially interesting when we had to create the graph on our own the first time because it was kind of challenging and it got my entire group talking about how they think it should go.
-Dakota

Bob it gets better

This last week we took the quadratics test and started the unit on polynomials. The quadratic unit was actually pretty basic and I did pretty well on my test. It also helped me to understand the first unit better. Now polynomials.. So far I TOTALLY UNDERSTAND. Not only that but it is simple. It helps to also understand the first unit. To those who were struggling like myself... It really does get better. And you can do it I promise. But yes you do have to work for it you do have to be patient and ask questions but it is worth it. I cannot wait to see where we go in this unit so far I really enjoy it!

Bob

Just downloaded the blogger app. Hopefully it works. The graphing i was very confused on when we first got the worksheet. Other people at my table were whipping through it and I just didn't  understand it until the next day when we got the second worksheet and I started to ask my group questions and they explained it to me. I wasn't able to go through as many of the problems as I would have liked this weekend because I spent my weekend with my dad who came up from Ohio. That took up most of my weekend but I was able to get some problems done Friday night. I'm understanding the graphing a lot better after working through some problems and think I grasp the concept of why the graph is doing what it is doing a lot better.

B.O.B.

It was amazing this weekend for me to see myself improve at graphing while doing my homework. I went from checking my notes on every problem to remembering that an even degree with a positive a curves down then back up and an even degree that is negative curves up then back down. Also and odd degree with a starts out in -x,-y coordinates and moves to the +x, +y coordinates and and odd degree with a negative a value starts out in the -x,+y and goes down to +x,-y. It was also amazing to see that I could tell the bounce or curve through of the graph just by the powers! It was really cool to see me improve fast like this and I hope this trend continues.

I have really liked the past week in class, and the new group that I am in is really cool. I like long distribution problems and I am really looking forward to this new unit. They are kind of mindless (like mowing the lawn or vacuuming) as long as you pay a little attention you will be fine. I have noticed recently that I am not reading all of the directions on questions, especially on tests. I have to be really careful from now on.

B.O.B.

My muddiest point of the unit so far is the factoring. The rest of the unit has went very well and has been a breeze for me. Although I do struggle with drawing nice graphs the first time but I at least understand the concept and try to make them look pretty by redrawing parts 24 times. The factoring will require more of my time, effort, and focus but I should be able to get it with the help of my group and this handy little survival guide Mr. Jackson has kindly provided us. So stay real and let's have a great week of learning

b.o.b.

my progress through this corse has gotten way better. i think that im getting better with domain with radicals and i can graph without a calcultor. my grade has gone up since the begining of the trimester. im understanding more in the units

B.O.B.-Progress

This week went really well for me.  I enjoy polynomials and the graphs just make sense.  I liked drawing them and also writing the formulas for given graphs.  The one thing I need to work on the most is factoring.  I struggle a little when the equations are more complicated.  However, my group and I get along really well and we are able to work together and help each other out.  It seems like just about every week I blog about my group, but they are a big aspect of my learning experience.  Just like last week, and the week before, when I found out that we were moving seats again I wasn't thrilled.  But once again, I got a great group of students who help me to learn, yet also have fun.  I am excited to continue learning with them! 

B.O.B.

I've never been good at factoring with more than powers of two, but I guess I'm gonna have to keep trying to get better and faster at it eventually, but with the knew group I'm in .... again is better than ever before everyone shares ideas with the group (which I think is pretty awesome) and everyone is there to help when it is needed. I'd also recommend looking stuff up online it does really help if you're unclear about anything. When we were drawing the graphs it was pretty easy but now that we are past that I've been getting real confused, which means I should start to ask more questions more often.

B.O.B: reflection ツ

During this week in PreCalc Functions my class started a new unit by the name of Polynomials. It sounds complicated and the word even looks complicated. Welp, at first it was for me honestly, untill Mr. Jackson gave me a better understanding of how to graph and write an equation for a Polynomial.

When looking at the graph and equation for a Polynomial you have to know all the possible characteristics of them and i didnt know that. I learned on friday why Jackon kept saying the terms bouce,straight,curve,even, and odd. So when we all got handed the paper called "Even or Odd" I asked him about how to write an equation by looking at the graph. When you look at a graph you always want to read it left to right. So if you have to arrows going up, you know the graph will be even. This means it has a even number of degrees and a positive "a" value. Then on the graph if a line goes straight through a number, it will be written like this in an eqution (x±#) if the line bounces off a number you know in the equation the x will be squared. And if you have a curve through a number you know it will be raised to the third power. If the even degree was negative, your 2 arrows would just be going down. Now if you look at a graph and the arrow starts up and ends down, its odd and its negative. This means theres an odd number of degrees and the "a" value is negative. So when you write the equation its just like using the the same stratigies for a even graph.

Anyways, on friday i finally learned how to write an equation and draw a graph for a polynomial thanks to Jackson. I feel more confident then i did like 4 days ago.

B.O.B Progress

This week we started learning about polynomials, which are for the most part new to me.  Right now I'm getting the basic ideas, but need to brush up on some factoring skills when the power is more than 2.  Other than that the class is going pretty smooth.  Also my new partners are pretty good at sharing ideas and I think we work pretty well together.

b.o.b.

This week was pretty good for me in pre calc. Starting a new unit means a fresh start , sort of. Learning new stuff gives me new opportunity to improve my grade and comprehend the material. Being gone Friday may set me back. I'm hoping not too much though. I need to work on memorizing the graphs for certain functions, like the even exponents and stuff like that. I'm still looking forward to getting my test back. I'm hoping it will be a huge motivational push for me.

B.O.B- Reflection on Polynomials

I was very happy when we first introduced this unit. I understood everything which made me so happy and I left class that way.  When we graphed polynomials, I managed to get each one right and I did not use our "cheat sheet" at all. So I am actually quite shocked at how I feel about this unit.  So far I like it. Hopefully my feelings stay the same throughout the entire unit.

BOB

Well this last week was pretty good. The polynomial unit has had a pretty good start and I'm feeling pretty good. Jackson announced that's gonna be a father soon! (If you're reading this congratulations!) I think that was a really good morale boost for every one. Fourth hour is always interesting! 

B.O.B. #5

This week we stared polynomials with the equations and graphing. I'm understanding the concepts but sometimes I mix up the positives and negatives, which will come with more practice. Also, this week we took the quadratics test (which i finished at 5:30 in the Morning). I'm truthfully not sure how I did, but I feel much better about this test than the last one. Hopefully now that some stressful things in my life are over, I'll have more time to focus towards studying and making sure I get the extra help if I need it.

B.O.B. - Vance W.

 Graphing polynomials, after I became comfortable with what even or odd degree means for the graph or what the exponents on individual factors mean for the graph, has so far been pretty straight forward. I think I still need some more practice with the more difficult examples of factoring, but I'm confident it'll come with time.

B.O.B

My muddies point so far is understanding when to boumce the graph and when to go straight through. Then sometimes on graphs you do both and I don't really understand as to why you do that. I'll figure it out soon I'll just ask someone at my table for help.

-Hannah-R

BoB.

I am liking this unit so far. I haven't thought it was nearly as challenging as others we have done up to this point. I definitely have been doing better in this class since I have been in before school and after school and just improving my study habits in general. I look forward to this class and how my work will affect the outcome. Looking back to specifics of the week, I feel that the part I understand the most is creating the graphs because there are really only three rules you must know.  

B.O.B.-hooray for polynomials.

This is one of my favorite units to do, second only to Logs. It's odd that I'm going to be looking forward to math class for the next week or two, because I rarely enjoy math. I was stressed out beyond belief last week, but I knew that if I made it to Sunday everything would be fine. And here I am, alive and all in one piece. Frankly I'm just excited to do long division of polynomials because that's fun. Actually it's probably the most fun thing we'll do this trimester. But yeah. This unit is going to rock.

Reflection on the week previous to the current week

We did stuff this week.  Near the later half of the week we worked on polynomials.  My attitude toward polynomials in relatively positive.  The work is easy to understand and get through.  Graphs are fun, especially when they look like sea monsters (positive even polynomial).  Before that, we took a test.  The normal problems weren't hard to go through, but I couldn't figure out any of the extra credit questions.

BOB reflection

This week was generally easy for me to understand. First, I thought the test went really well. I understood the concept of quadratics so I thought the test was better than the first one. I was a little nervous to start the polynomials unit because it sounds a little more challenging. I also did not remember how to do long division so it made me realize I need to look that over.  I struggled a little bit at first with understanding the graphs. Then I began to notice patterns of how the graphing works. I understand these problems much better now. I think my progression in this class is much better than it was previously. I am actually doing the homework to understand and grasp

the concepts, not to just get it done. 

B.O.B.

So far this whole polynomial thing is not going well. If i don't understand the review then i defiantly won't understand everything else that adds on to it. I'm struggling with graphing right now and also missed the next day of class where i probably could have cleared some things up when we went over the practice packet. But with the help of friends and practice, and maybe teachers help if i need it, i know I'll figure it out.

BOB #4

This week was actually pretty easy it took me a few problems to get it but after that everything that we did made sense. Hopefully the rest of this unit goes by easily. 

B.O.B. Reflection

This week was a good week for me. We had the test this week and i think i did very well because i did the whole review and i didn't get a 100% on my homework packet but it was well worth it. Because i would rather make sure i get a good test grade then losing a few points on homework. The new unit we are learning with polynomials when we did the the review challenge paper. I didn't know how to do long division and defiantly need to learn how to do it. I have doing the homework and i'm getting better at the graphing and knowing how to write the equations from just looking at the graph. My progression in the class is getting better and hopefully and can keep getting better and learn more.

B.O.B.

So throughtout the last unit I missed quite a few days. But on the test day I felt ready to take the test. The reveiwband quadratics madness helped but I think what helped most was the fact that I had been doing the test corrections from the first test the day before. It helped me remember a lot of stuff I probably would have forgotten and gotten wrong. After taking the test there was still stuff I think I got wrong and one problem I just didn't know. But I did my best.

B.O.B

I am really enjoying our polynomial unit so far.  It is my favorite unit.  I understand it, but am still making a few small mistakes.  The only thing I am having problems with is telling what kind of graph to use.  I think will a little more studying, I will remember.

B.O.B- Reflection

Before and after the test this week I felt way more confident than I did on the last test. Hopefully my grade reflects this. This unit came a lot eaiser to me and I am starting to understand the way this class works. On Friday, I understood the polynomial graphs a lot better and it's become easier for me to do.

Reflection

Last week went a lot better than any other week in this class. I felt that I understood at least most of the new material and had an easier time following along in class.  I was able to focus more on what we were learning and understand why the graphs look the way we do.  Hopefully this unit will go better than the past ones!

BOB

This week in math we were working on investigating polynomials. I feel confident with sketching the polynomials, labeling, and finding the x-intercepts.  I understand when the line curves, bounces off, or go straight through the line. This subject is easy for me to understand.

I think B.O.B.'s stressed

I am so stressed lately. I have so much going on its hard to think about one assignment for very long. Now in class we are learning about Polynomials and I'm having a difficult time grasping the concept. Maybe its because of my stress or just me being dumb. Either way I have to try harder even if it adds on to my stress. Because I know that one of the biggest stresses is the grade I'm receiving in this class and I have to get it back up to where I want it. So I Must stare the beast known as Polynomials in the eyes and figure out how defeat it without killing myself.

B.O.B. - Reflection

Review:
Last week we started a new chapter. We started with a polynomial challenge, where we first had to divide without a calculator, what was first a bit difficult, but when we remembered again how to do it, wasn't it very difficult anymore. Then was a exercise as a review of our first unit (domain), and then we had to factor.

New:
We started something completely new for me with polynomials. But what helped me a lot to get this completely new thing were the notes on polynomials you put for us on one page.
After we had to use, what we learned on the notes and graphed functions with polynomials. With the four graphs we have to look at. First I was very confused, how to do this, but then Emilie could help me a lot and now I understand it better: What Emilie learned me, might also help some of you;)
- When it curves through the axis = 1 degree
- When it just touches the axis and goes back in the same direction, as it came from = 2 degrees
- When it goes along the axis for a while and then curve through = 3 degrees

What I realized that helps me a lot, when I have to make the graph and then find the intervals: I first draw the graph and then label all the positive sections of the graph with one color and all the negative sections of the graph with one color. Then, when I have to make the interval notation, I just need to describe each individual colored part.

B.O.B.

When we first started the polynomials unit I really liked it. I understand how to graph the equations and write the equations but once we got the factoring paper on Friday I started to doubt myself. Factoring is something that makes me really stressed and frustrated but I know if I spend time and practice it then I will improve my factoring skills.

B.O.B.-Class reflection

This new unit so far has been interesting. I learned different ways that a function can go through an x-intercept due to the degrees (odd or even). I also learned that it is difficult to make a curve x-intercept. I've helped others in my pod try to understand the things we are being taught, to the best of my abilities. I also learned that someone once called Vance Van Suede and he has wanted to be called that ever since. Yeah I would say that this week has been pretty productive. I still need to figure out how to end these.

bob

reflection
  So far in this week more specifically this unit, learning and using the material is really easy. graphing is kinda helpful though when trying to envision the domain of the functions we've been dealing with so far. other than that i don't really know what else to talk about.

BOB: Class Reflection

Last Friday, it clicked! Everything sort of came into place. I'm really starting to understand the first unit, and am almost ready to retake the first test we had taken in this class! Plus, what we are learning now is starting to click into place as well. Finding the degrees and graphing polynomials is one of the easiest things I feel like we have learned so far. Here's a list of what to do for polynomials (finding the degree and drawing the graph):

1. Find the degree by adding all of the x's together from the equation. Say you have y= x(x+3)^2, then you would have an odd degree of 3.

2. Now to find out if the graph will be negative or positive, you must also look at the equation. If you have an equation that is positive (y= (3+x)(4+x)), then your graph is positive. If you have an equation that is negative (y= -(3+x)(4+x)), then your graph is negative.

3. Using that information you can find out if your graph is positive/negative and odd/even. Then, I always remember that graphs that are positive always end positive, and graphs that are negative always end negatively. I also remember this saying, "Your even if you like McDonald's and Wendy's, and your odd if you don't." Even degrees lead to "M" and "W" shaped graph lines.

4. By the way, don't totally forget about the individual powers of each of the x intercepts. You need to know each power of each intercept to know how to draw the line. If an intercept is to the power of 1, then the line goes straight through the intercept. If its to the power of an even number, then you "bounce" the line on the intercept. And if you have a power that is an odd number that is greater than 1, then you curve the line through the intercept.

5. Now you are ready to find the degree, find out if the graph is positive/negative and odd/even, and how to draw a graph of any polynomial!

B.O.B. Learned this week

I'm so glad to finally learn why a graph curves through a x intercept, because the factor is to an odd power. And I also never knew that the graph can also bounce off a x interecpt if it is to an even power. This unit looks like it will be fun.

B.O.B. Week 5

I'll admit, I've been struggling some with the past two units. It's been frustrating for me to take such a long time to understand things. However, I'm really liking this unit so far. I guess I'm good with graphs because it just sort of clicks for me. When we started the unit with drawing graphs of the equations, I actually remembered stuff from last year, about bouncing and curving and such depending on the exponent, as well as the overall shape of the graph (positive/negative, even/odd). And while I might have been a bit unsure about domain in the first unit, this whole positive/negative part of the graph thing makes sense. Once we get to the more advanced stuff, who knows, but so far at least I'm really liking this unit!

B.O.B

I think I finally understand domain and range...two units after we learned it. But it's really helping me with the new polynomial unit. I think with staying after and coming in early I can really get it and do good in this unit. Confidence is key!

Bob

Progress: on the first test I had so much extra work to catch up on that I didn't do when it was assigned. I never ended up getting it completely done. So, I had less practice than everyone els before the test. The second test I had a little bit of extra work but remembered from looking back on last test that I had to keep up or the consequences could be tramatic! So I kept up more than last time but there's always room for improvement. This unit I understand a lot more and it's coming easier than the last two. I can see where all of it is going, and I'm excited. Also this unit my goal is to not have any work left over from previous days before the test. I want all my focus to be on reviewing for the test and not have to worry about past homework. This class is helping me manage time and become more productive and hardworking than I have ever been in school. 

Up coming week

I feel this unit will be more understanding for me. So far I understand how to find the degree amd what the graph should look like. I also can look at the graph and find the equation

B.O.B class reflection

As the class progresses things are seeming to get easier although easier they seem to also be getting longer and more time consuming and being that the assignments are easier and longer they also therefore become more boring which then in turn makes me lose interest in the class overall.

B.O.B.- Class reflection

This last Tuesday, the day of the test,was almost a surprise to me, as I had forgotten that there was a test.  I know this sounds weird, but I actually enjoy it a little when teachers give out tests for three reasons.  One, it usually takes up the whole class period, and I usually get done a little early so I can just sit there and think for a little while as others are finishing.  It's like a short break from the rest of the day.  The second reason is that tests are a great chance to show my teachers and my parents how well I understand what we are working on.  It always feels good to bring home an A graded test.  Even when a test is not so good, I know what I need to work on.  The last reason is that teachers almost never give homework the day of a test.  On a daily basis I have what could be called a lot of homework, and it feels good to be able to have more time to myself, even if it is just a little.  So, when you passed out the homework on Tuesday, I guess I didn't really mind

Reflection

Sorry this is late! Last week was a little shaky on some parts for me.  When we were instructed to find the maximum area I got the right answer but was not quite sure about why it worked. Once I got some help, I figured out why it works and now it makes more sense. I am still working on the homework and am nervous for the test. I am getting help on the parts I don't understand, and think this next test will go better than the last!

B.O.B. by Mr. Jackson

This week was a challenge for me because I know that my students are working so very hard on the current material (which I appreciate more than you know), but I feel like some are forgetting the previous material in unit 1.  There are a few students who are absolutely kicking butt when it comes to that first unit, mainly because they are working on a review for the retake.  To those students that are putting in the time, thank you!  To everyone else, either you know it and don't need to spend more than a few minutes going over the previous material, or you have given up ever trying to learn it.  Let me remind you that it's not too late!  If something doesn't make sense to you, please visit Khan Academy at home or see another math teacher.  Perhaps we're having some communication issues and you just don't get me.  That happens!  There is nothing wrong with you asking for help, even if you've never asked before.  Failure in this case is not the absence of knowledge, but knowing what to do (get help) and not doing it!  If you communicate your issues with me, I will do everything in my power to find you the help you need.  Please advocate for yourself when you're struggling.  Don't try to conquer your struggles alone, but don't depend on someone else to give you all the answers.  This is your time to shine.  Make these next few days the best days of math you can and I promise it will be worth it!

Every. Single. Time. :: B.O.B. Vance W.

I found it pretty easy to keep up with this unit, but there was one thing holding me back. When completing the square and the a-value wasn't one. I could breeze through it if the a-value was one, and I would breeze through it if it wasn't one. Until I looked at the answer key and saw that it was incorrect. When I was adding the perfect c to the other side, I would forget to multiply it by a. Again, and again, and again. For whatever reason, I would forget every time, although I would immediately know what I did wrong. Luckily, the frustration of getting the same thing wrong every time made it so that it is now nearly impossible to forget.

B.o.b.

Completing the square was the most mind boggeling thing I have ever done before. I had no Idea why it worked or what the point was. I hated doing it because it was so confusing. But it knew in order to get good at it I had to practice at it. So every time I need to find the max, get the vertex, or anything! I complete the square. Now I am much better at it and now it's pretty easy. It's like a habit! A few times I even did it when I didn't have to! Completing the square is my first realization on how important it is to do the things you struggle with instead of avoiding them! Because eventually it will become second nature, and you will make progress! I like this progress thing, I think I'm gonna keep practicing and make more progress! that's my overall goal! Not just in math. But in everything! Practice makes progress towards perfection. 

B.O.B #3

The new seating arrangement definitely would have helped me last unit. I am no where near as distracted as I was the previous unit and it has helped me understand the material we are learning. I'm actually getting work done in class now and not having to do it when I get home during my relaxing time.

bob 4

reflection
            This week we learned a bit of new info but luckily with no challenge or confusion on my part, so i would have to say it was a productive use of my time. Reflecting back on this week reminds me of week 1 of algebra 1, which i thought was awesome because of what we learned and how easy it was to remember what we learned. I'm also really tired so this concludes by reflection.

Sitting in class on Sunday

There I was sitting in class on a Sunday. Yeah sitting in class on a Sunday that probably sounds crazy. It was a very helpful session where I was able to sit down and work on what I needed to. Plus we got some really good pizza and pop. I was able to finish a lot of my homework and get help on the stuff I needed. If Mr. Jackson could I wish we could do this every week.

BOB

I'm feeling a lot better while writing this weeks blog post. I feel like I now have a grasp on what I'm doing in this class. At first, it was a bit overwhleming... But now I feel as though I know what I have to do to get where I want to be. I'm working on mastering the material from the first unit so that I can nail my re-take. I'm also trying to prepare for our test on Tuesday on the second unit... I'm still stressed. I'm always stressed no matter what. But it's getting better. I feel better this week, and I think I'll feel even better next week. I like the second unit material better than the first unit, and I like that it is shorter. Having the unit shorter is easier because you feel like you actually have a chance at learning it... Because it's not as much material all at the same time. I hope next week when I'm writing my blog post I'll feel even better than I do now.

BOB

This week in class I had a lot of fun learning how to solve the equations and I like this unit a lot more because I was able to catch on a lot faster than the other one I think I am going to do good on the next test which will bring my grade up to an A which I want to keep for the rest of the tri.  I was able to help the other people in my group because this was one of the units that I caught on fast to and it was easy to teach the people in my new group.  So I had a good time this week.

Study Group

Today Mr. Jackson had a study group thing at school. I beleive that it is a good idea to have these. I get better help on one-on-one time than learning in a class. The study session was fun and i really hope he can do it again.

BOB

Idk really how to start this blog but i guess i just did. This past week i have understood how to do certain things like opposite b over 2a but ididnt know exactly when to do it til i did the homework and now i feel farley confident after doing that "quadratics madness" worksheet. This weekend i had a lot of homework and i feel really behind because i was busy both saturday and most of sunday but i belive that the extra practice in Pre-calc homework will really help me on the test. Repititon helps me even if i dont want to do it. I hope to do well on the test .

BOB

I was gone Monday and Tuesday, but I got caught up pretty quickly. This unit has been easier for me to grasp than the first, and i feel pretty confident with it. I would have gone to the study session but I was at my moms and she lives in Allen Park. I plan on staying after sometime this week to get help and find out how I can boost my grade.

B.O.B. Muddiest Point

This week I had a hard time understanding questions in the extreme value packet and stuff like -b/2a.  When I came in to get help though (also thanks for the pop and pizza to Mr. Jackson) I had a better understanding of dimensions and -b/2a and what really help the most is when Jackson showed the graph to me. He showed that you find the vertex of "x" and then use that to find "y" value and it made a lot more sense to me.

BOB

So this last week has been pretty laid back. That's good and bad. I'm glad Jackson didn't give us a Monday test because those are the worst. I wish I had gone to the help session today but I couldn't get a ride out to mason. I think I'm doing ok with quadratics and I'm feeling rather confident about the test. 

BOB4

Oh pre-calculus how I have such a bipolar relationship with you. This last week in precalc we began working with quadratics. This is a sigh of relief for me because  domain is always all real numbers. Completing the square I can get pretty easily, my only problem is when I go back and check my work, because I do a different strategy than Mr. Jackson my answer on occasion is different but I look at the answer a million times and cannot find something wrong. I just want my grade up but I just fell like it is impossible no matter how many times I go in  for help it is so overwhelming. Luckily though today (Sunday) Mr. Jackson came in to help us and it just made loadstone difference. So guys.. Don't be afraid to ask for help!! It makes a huge difference don't suffer in silence!

B.O.B. #4

This week during precalc, we worked more with quadratics, and started finding extreme values. This unit has made a lot more sense to me. We have been working with completing the square and have added onto it. Such as finding the range by completing the square, finding the x and y intercepts, line of symmetry, and finding the domain as well (which is all real numbers for quadratic functions). We've also made quadratic equations using the vertex and a point in which the final answer passes through. This took me a while to really get the hang of, but now I understand it much better. I've been really focused this unit, and I'm hoping for an excellent grade on the test this week!

B.O.B.- Reflection

During the middle of the week, I was shaky on how to construct functions and I certainly did not understand why we took the steps we did.  But over the weekend when I was working on the packet I flew through all the problems and got them right.  Everything made sense and I was able do story problems and find the minimum or maximum value. I am not sure when everything made sense, but somewhere along the way it did.  In any case I am happy that I know how to do the story problems.

My thoughts on things

This week we did a bunch of quadratic things.  I have a few iffy points here and there, such as how far you can simplify, but I feel as though I am doing okay.  Mostly though I just enjoy drawing 3-D shapes. Other than that, I'm glad we didn't have as many packets this unit.  Although I dislike the amount of work, I wouldn't mind having the exact same amount of work as much, just so long as I didn't have to write down the problems.  I try to organize them, but I am very bad at it.  Part of it is my handwriting, but sometimes though I'll miss how many different things you have to do for one problem.  That even further messes up what little sense of organization I had.  Anyways, I appreciate less of those.

B.O.B.

This week I am feeling fairly confident with the new material that we have learned. I have been looking on youtube at some videos and that seems to help. Today I went into Jackson's room to work on my homework. He really helped me understand the problems I had questions on. When I do the homework I usually keep the answer key close by. Once I finish a problem I check to make sure I have the right answer, or if I don't understand I see what steps it takes to finish the problem. I really feel like I have a grasp on the content we learned this past week! Bring on that test!

B.O.B.- Progress

When I walked into class at the beginning of the week and realized that we were changing seats, I was really upset.  I loved my old table, and even though we had fun together, we still managed to do our work and help each other out.  I was worried that this would be gone with my new group.  However, my new table is awesome too!  My two partners keep me on my toes and we have had some pretty interesting discussions (that were actually about math!), as well as shared some laughs.  Overall, I'm feeling pretty good about the test on Tuesday, even though I lost my old table group.  I'm looking forward to this week!

B.O.B. 4

This may make me unpopular with my fellow classmates, but I feel like we should spend more time learning in class. The ghost stories are fun and all, but I really enjoy learning and challenging myself in class. Not to say we didn’t learn anything. I particularly enjoyed the story problems in the packets. I loved challenging myself be coming up with as many different ways to solve the problem as I could. But, again, I would like to stay a little more focused in class.   

B.O.B. #4

This week in pre-calc functions was actually a lot of fun.  I liked working with the quadratics because there is always a reason behind what we do.  We don't do it just "because that's how its done", we do things because there is a reason and it is logical.  I also liked how there were a lot of packets with real life situation problems, they really made it click that we aren't just learning this because we have to, we are learning about quadratics and completing the squares because we are going to need to use them out in the real world.  I found it very funny how my group didn't change at all this week when the tables were moved around it the "mathematical chairs".  I myself am very glad that our group didn't change because I think that we have been working very well together and that we have helped each other at some point were a member was confused on what we had to do next.  Originally this unit was confusing on how to complete the square and the problems were very hard to do.  After talking to my group about it and going over a few problems together I became very confident that I could find the answer.  Over all I believe that I will do pretty well on this upcoming test due to my group helping me in the beginning of this unit when I was confused.
-Dakota C.

B.O.B. Progress

Now that we are in the quadratic portion of the class I'm feeling pretty.  They're feel familiar, and I can understand them with relative ease.  Also the real world questions keep the math interesting while keeping me more enticed to the homework.  In addition to that it's nice that some of the skills I learned in AP physics applies to this class and vice versa.  Ultimately I'm quite pleased with my progress in this course.

B.O.B.

So, when Mr. Jackson first told us that we were going to have a test this week Tuesday, I was pretty nervous.  I've been understanding stuff in class, but even the word "test" just absolutely freaks me out.  I'm an alright test taker, but I get so worked up over these things that I know I understand, and it's totally irrational. I'm feeling pretty good about this test, though.  I understand stuff this unit, and I'm actually pretty confident about this test, which is something I don't say very often...  So, yep, I'm feeling pretty good about this test, it's gonna be great!
Haley

BOB reflection

As I get home from a cross country meet i realize i have to do some homework. So I got my bag out and start looking at the homework and my notes. I put the two together and everything is making sense. At this point I was flying through the problems and it felt great.

B.o.b. 4

This past week in Jackson's pre calc functions class was very enjoyable from my point of view. On Monday, we had a fun little game where we switched seats, with the intentions of separating my table. Unfortunately, that did not work at as planned and we are now split up with neighboring tables. That being said, I think I really enjoy the new seating chart for the reasons that 1. I can get along with both of my partners. 2. I feel less distracted and can do my work without any issues. And 3. Within one week, we have had multiple mathematic arguments with eachother, which in my point of view, is very entertaining. 

The rest of this week went pretty well also, considering the small amount of time we spent learning. Don't get me wrong, math is fun and all, but I would much rather spend most if class listening to ghost stories! Also, the fire drill added to the shortage of class time. But when we were actually learning, I was very satasfied with what we were learning. I think it is really cool to be able to apply math into real life situations, which Is exactly what we can do with this part of the unit. I have always wanted to know how in the world you can find the area of something with only the perimeter, along with other situations like that. So learning how to do that was very enjoyable for me. So long story short, this week was a very satisfying week, and I feel as if I am prepared for this upcoming test on Tuesday. Thank you for reading my post!

P.S. I am also proud that I remembered to do this post.

Reflection B.O.B.

This last week we have been working hard and learning fast for the next test we are having Tuesday. I've surprisingly and keeping up and getting better with factoring and completing square and improving what i did wrong on the quiz. I feel comfortable on the homework we got this weekend and have completed a lot of it. I think this is a good weekend for me because i have been spending more time doing my homework and making sure i get most of the questions correct and the questions we have are challenging. They make you think a lot more and i feel that this test score will be way better and ill be more prepared for this so i can get the grade i want.This unit has went by fast and you have to do a lot to keep up but its helped because i'm more focused and i want to know the material so then i can get a good grade.

reflection B.O.B

Monday was really good for me in precalc. We got our quizzes back and my results were exactly what I needed to see to make my self work harder in this class. Going in today (Sunday) was so much help. I was very confused and knew I needed to figure out how to do the work before the test. Some times I just need a little 1 on 1 with a teacher to make the material click, and Mr Jackson really made that happen today. I am very glad to have a teacher who cares this much about his students, as a whole and each of us individually. I really appreciated today! And I am now confident, still with some questions that I'm hoping to get answered tomorrow, for the test Tuesday.

BOB

Overall, the week went by pretty well. The new groups seem to be working out great. I'm getting a lot more of my work done. The new material we're learning seems simple enough, but can be worded in weird ways that make it more complicated. This unit is going to take a lot more thinking through things instead of us being given the right equations to use. I need to study up on the first unit because I have to retake the test, so hopefully I don't forget what we've been learning. Judging on how things are going, I think i'll do fine on this upcoming test tuesday.

Muddiest point

My muddiest point is the story problems. It's not so much the math that's the problem it's just figuring out what the question is asking. If I don't understand what the question is asking then I have no idea what to do. Usually I have to read the questions a couple times and underline the information given to be able to figure it out. I'm slowly starting to figure out how to find out what the questions are actually asking me to do and I'm starting to get faster at figuring out the questions.

BOB- reflection

I don't know about anyone else but this week was pretty easy, I was getting everything right, and I was having to help the other people at my table,  and I was actually learning! Until one day I picked up a little slip of purple paper. I was moved to a group where luckily I knew people, but instead of being a teacher I was now part of a group. Now my group and I accomplish a lot by working together as a team. We were actually cruising through all the questions on Friday until the bell rang. But my group and I will continue to crank out our problems and compare answers, but I'm telling you work as a group and stuff will get done a ton faster!

B.O.B-Reflection of Sunday Study Pizza Party ♥

Today at about 12pm, i went in to Mr. Jacksons room to do some homework, as questions, and catch up on the past 2 days that i've missed. Walking into his room, i knew i had a alot of questions but they were accompanied by no answers. I was very happy that some of my class members and I got the chance to come in and have a Precalc Functions get togther with Mr. Jackson.

I learned several things today. Like when writing a quadratic equation, and you are given the x intercepts and a low or high point, it is much easier to sketch out the picture so you hae find the middle of the x intercepts. Finding the middle gets you the x part in the coordinates for the vertex. And the y part of the coordiante is whatever number you are given for your low or high point. After that, then you plug the vertex in the quadratic formula, which is y=a(x-h)*squared* + k. When the vertex is plugged in, then you pick one of the x intercepts and enter it for the y and the x in the equation. I also learned that using the formual -b/2a is used alot when solving problems. Includong steps in finding tha maximum area or minimum.

The 2 hours i spent with Mr. Jackson solving and doing multiple precalc problems was definatley worth it on a beautiful sunday afternoon. I got all caught up on my homework, learned how to solve problems i didnt know how, and well i even got to have pizza and pop. All thanks to Jackson, i am now a little bit smarter then i was this morning with Precalc Functions. Thank Mr. Jackson for taking the time to teach me as weell as others today, and thank you for buying us pizza and pop. Your time and effort spent with us is appreciated greatly. Have a nice sunday Jackson, you deserve it.! ツ

B.O.B.- Reflection

This past week has been crazy. We have been learning so many things in such a short period of time that I don't even remember what we learned on Monday. Good think for the homework to look over I guess. I enjoy my new pod of people. We all really try to help eachother to understand each thing instead of just ignoring and breezing through everything. I would love to stay with them but I know that the goal is to work with new people and talk to others beside who we want to. How do you end blog posts? Bye

B.O.B. - Reflection

Last week was a week, which went by very fast. We learned a lot in a short amount of time... the good thing was, that not everything was completely new. We could solve new kinds of problems with our knowledge from our years before. The most difficult thing for me was last week, the formulas, because we have different names for area, perimeter and so on. Now I'm studying them, that I can remember them on Tuesday. I am a bit afraid from the test on Tuesday, because I don't really know what and how to study...
But in general I think it was a good week :) Of course I miss my old table mates a lot but the new ones are also so nice!!!

B.o.b

This unit has gone by a lot smoother. I am really starting to understand factoring and completing the square. I still have been practicing how to find the domain and range of different functions. I'm understand mostly all of the stuff on the test this upcoming Tuesday. So now I'm getting ready to retake the first test we took!

B.O.B.

I missed two days this week. I understood most of the stuff we did but the hardest thing was coming back the next day and hearing there was a super easy short cut to something I didn't understand how to do at all. For example I had no idea how to find the max or min I read the packet and was still confused so I skiped those and on friday I came back and eveyone knew about -b/2a and I understood from context that it found the x vslue to the max and min but it was like it was pulled out of thin air and I was just suppose to know it. But I asked about where it came from and got a print out of the day we solved for x in the quadratic formula which helped a lot. Now all I have to do is catch up on homework.

B.O.B. Progress

I feel that I have made a lot of progress so far in this course. I started off really nervous about not remembering any of the review but as time has gone on I have grown more confident in my abilities. I really like my new group of table mates but I do miss having Taylor there to help me. I am confident that I will score well on our test Tuesday and I am excited to see how I do!

B.O.B

My experience with precalc has been very interesting. It's almost like a roller coaster, some days I'm up and understand everything that's going on, and the next day I'm way at the bottom struggling to make it up the hill. Right now i feel at the top. Finding the Vertex at the beginning of the class was like asking me to do the impossible, i had no idea what that meant. But now give me a problem and i"ll figure it out for you and actually be able to explain how to do it and what I'm finding. Math class will never be easy for me, but I'm just going along for the ride.

B.O.B-Sunday Pizza Party/Study Sesh

I came in on Sunday to get my homework done. I wound up eating pizza and trying to get my homework done-a couple of problems are giving me trouble and I know they will be discussed on Monday while I'm not here so my plan is to stay and get as ready for the test as possible. Yay for learning.

Sunday fun

Sunday was the most helpful day of understanding what I need to do on each question from finding the max or min value of a function to re learning how to complete to square. I got a lot of my homework done and work that I missed on friday in class. We should have these sunday help sessions more often. Thank you Mr. Jacson

B.O.B. Progress

So this new unit is not as bad as the very first unit, in my opinion. I actually understand how to complete the square, and I just have to make sure I slow down and take things step by step. I get now that you can use different forms of equations to find certain things. I realized...
1. Factored Form gives you your x intercepts.
2. Standard Form gives you your y intercept.
3. Vertex Form gives you your vertex and line of symmetry.
I am glad that clicked in so I can use that information to find answers to questions easier and faster. We also started learning how to use the completing the square in examples involving area and perimeter of certain shapes and objects. Sometimes I forget how to find the area or circumference of a circle, so I need to drill those equations in my mind. I can usually figure out the word problems you have given us, but I end up making small mistakes that mess up my answers. Oh and another thing, I don't really understand the x intercept equation involving a +/- square root. I hardly remember that from my other math classes. So I will probably have to find out how to do that if it will be on the test. All in all though, other than a few questions, I feel pretty okay with how this test is looking to be.