World of Functions, Simplifying- Scribe for 9/17/08

Today was a short period so we just took notes and did some practice problems. 

Class notes: 

1. Simplifying: Remember to factor first! 

A. This concept is based in the basic simplifying fractions concept: keep dividing the numerator and denominator. 

**example: 24/72 --> 12/36 --> 4/12 --> 1/3 

B. To factor

** example: 24/72=(2) (2) (2) (3)/(2)(2)(2)(3)(3) 

**In this equation, you cross out the numbers that cancel out to be one to end with 1/3

2. How this applies to factoring equations

**example: x^2-10x+25 --> (x-5) (x-5) because you know that x^2= (x) and (x). You also know that -5 * -5 = 25 and -5+-5= -10

**Methods: The area model 

3. Steps to simplifying more difficult equations: 

a. Factor first!

b. Find common denominator 

c. Rename fractions

d. add or subtract 

e. simplify 

After these class notes we had time to practice some problems in the prerequisite chapter 42 practice packet. (This was given to us Monday in class.) 

Homework: In the prerequisite packet with the practice problems: 

-Choose 5 from 25-38

-39-49 odd

-Choose 4 from 53 to 62

Announcements: There will be a test next Wednesday the 24th.