West Contra Costa Unified School District
Solving Equations with Variables on Both Sides
So many different ways to solve equations, so little time! Scholars learn how to solve equations with variables on both sides by using several different methods. They apply bar models, decomposition, and traditional algebraic methods to...
West Contra Costa Unified School District
Solving and Using Literal Equations
You literally need to use the resource. Young mathematicians solve geometric problems by using literal equations. They go on to solve distance/rate/time problems by using literal equations — a great progression that helps introduce the...
West Contra Costa Unified School District
Slope-Intercept Sort
What's so special about slope? Pupils first match cards with slope and y-intercept to graphs of linear equations. They continue the lesson by matching equations in slope-intercept form to the same graphs.
West Contra Costa Unified School District
Simplify Expressions and Solve Equations Using Two-Column Proofs
Increase understanding of the algebraic properties and their importance. Scholars justify their steps as they simplify expressions and solve equations. They formalize their work as two-column proof.
West Contra Costa Unified School District
Solving Quadratic Equations – Alternative Methods
There's more than one way to solve quadratic equations. Scholars learn how to solve quadratic equations using alternate methods. They use completing the square by making the linear coefficient even and the leading coefficient a perfect...
West Contra Costa Unified School District
Investigating Special Right Triangles
Scholars first investigate relationships in the side lengths of 30°-60°-90° triangles and 45°-45°-90° triangles. This knowledge then helps them solve problems later in the lesson plan about special right triangles.
West Contra Costa Unified School District
Dilations Using Right Triangles
Don't argue with a triangle that has a 90-degree angle. It's always right. Scholars first use right triangles to help draw dilations of points. They continue the instructional activity by applying this skill to draw dilations of polygons.
West Contra Costa Unified School District
Arcs and Angles
Noah didn't construct this kind of arc. High school scholars first explore how angles can be formed in circles. They then learn relationships between angles and arcs by conducting an exploratory activity where they position and draw arcs...
West Contra Costa Unified School District
Square and Square Roots
Root for your pupils to learn about roots. Young mathematicians first review the meaning of squares and square roots. They then use this knowledge to simplify square roots of monomials with variables.
West Contra Costa Unified School District
Solving Inequalities
What does translating points on a number line have to do with solving inequalities? Young mathematicians first learn about translations of points on a number line, and then use this information to solve linear inequalities in one variable.
West Contra Costa Unified School District
Graph Square Root and Cube Root Functions
Scholars first learn to graph square root and cube root functions by creating a table of values. They then learn how to graph functions from transformation of the graphs of the parent square root and cube root functions.
West Contra Costa Unified School District
Simplifying Radicals – Day 1
It doesn't get simpler than this. Scholars first learn to simplify radicals by determining the prime factors of the radicand. The lesson plan progresses to simplifying radicals involving algebraic expressions in the radicand.
West Contra Costa Unified School District
Shifting Linear Equations in Function Notation
Time for a shift in thinking! Learners examine translations of linear functions. They use function notation to describe the translation and make connections to the graph.
West Contra Costa Unified School District
Divisibility Rules Justified
How do you know if a number is divisible? Instructors first prove the divisibility rules for three and four and then class members use this modeling to prove given divisibility rules for eight and nine either individually or in groups.
West Contra Costa Unified School District
Derivative – Standard Definition
Making a clear connection to algebra concepts helps learners understand the definition of a derivative. The lesson begins with looking at limits of simple linear and rational functions, and leads to the definition of the derivative....
West Contra Costa Unified School District
Quadratic Equations — What We Know
Everything you could possibly want to know about quadratic equations, all in one resource. Instructors demonstrate how to translate between different forms of quadratics (equation, table of values, graph, verbal description) and finding...
West Contra Costa Unified School District
Mixture Problems
Mix up your lessons with the resource on mixture problems. Scholars use manipulatives to model and solve mixture problems. Individuals then set up both one- and two-variable equations to solve the problems.
West Contra Costa Unified School District
Linear-Quadratic Systems
Why do I have to learn two different ways to solve linear-quadratic systems? Isn't one way enough? Learners first investigate the three possible situations for linear-quadratic systems (two, one, or zero solutions), then solve such...
West Contra Costa Unified School District
Lowest Common Multiple through the Grades
The LCM will be your new BFF. Learners review least common multiple and least common denominator applications, mostly on fractions, from middle school. Scholars then see how the LCM can be applied to various types of problems from...
West Contra Costa Unified School District
Graphing Family of Functions
Functions have families, too. Learners first graph the parent functions for linear, quadratic, and cubic functions, and then use vertical translations to graph families of functions.
West Contra Costa Unified School District
Graphing Exponential Functions
Once you know how to graph y = b^x, the sky's the limit. Young mathematicians learn to graph basic exponential functions and identify key features, and then graph functions of the form f(x) = ab^(x – h) + k from the function f(x) = b^x.
West Contra Costa Unified School District
Geometric Sequences
Place a instructional activity on sequences in your sequence of lessons. Scholars first learn the basics of geometric sequences, such as common ratios and then they write recursive and explicit formulas for geometric sequences.
West Contra Costa Unified School District
Fractional Exponents and Property of Exponents
Don't just use a fraction of this resource ... use it all. Learners first investigate patterns to determine how to deal with fractional exponents. Individuals then evaluate expressions involving fractional exponents.
West Contra Costa Unified School District
Factoring Quadratic Expressions
Factor in different strategies in a lesson for factoring quadratics. Young mathematicians first create tables and area models to factor quadratic trinomials into two binomials by guess and check. Learners then investigate how they can...