1. When entering class each day, students should say hi, have their homework out, write any questions on the board, and start the opener problem. 2. The document then provides examples of algebra problems involving variables to represent unknown quantities and expressions combining variables, operators, and constants. 3. Students are instructed to complete a set of practice problems from page 94 in their workbook and have their work checked by the teacher.

1. When you get to class each day:
1. Say "hi!"
2. Get your homework out and have it on your desk
ready to go.
3. Write the number of (or tally) any questions you have on
the back board.
4. Do your opener problem in the next open space on your
blue opener sheet.
Your goal should be to at least have your opener started by
the time class starts!
Opener: 1. 8 ‐ 2(3 + 5) 2. 10/2+3(4 ‐ 6)
(without a calculator)
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2. Section 2.2: Modeling General Situations
What is algebra???
"a branch of mathematics that uses mathematical
statements to describe relationships between things that
vary over time" ‐ http://cstl.syr.edu/fipse/algebra/unit1/algebra.htm
"thinking logically about numbers rather than computing
with numbers" ‐ http://www.maa.org/devlin/Algebra_Devlin.pdf
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3. Using Variables: Variables are letters used to represent quantities of things
we do not know. We define the variable (state what it
represents) and then use that variable to model situations.
Examples:
1. I have some dogs. My neighbor has 3 fewer dogs
than I do.
2. Adam has 5 more freeze‐pops than I have.
3. Ellen has been to twice as many countries as Mary Beth.
4. Lyla went to half as many movies as Carter this summer.
5. Alex has saved $3 less than a third of what Courtney has
saved.
Combining variables
with operators and
constants creates
expressions.
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4. TIME TO PRACTICE! Check Your Understanding Mastermind:
1. This activity is worth 10 points towards your daily work
grade.
2. Each person in your group needs a sheet of paper and
must complete each of the problems assigned to earn
their 10 points.
3. Complete each of the problems assigned, write your agreed upon
answers in the blank on the answer sheet, and bring the sheet to
me to check.
4. You have 3 chances to get the problems right. Each time you bring
up the sheet, I will tell you how many are right, but not which
ones.
5. At the end, each student's individual work will be stapled behind
the answer sheet and turned in.
Your problems are... Pg. 94 #1, 2, 3, 4ab, 5
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