Chapter 3: View to the test...

Today we took up some homework (specifically #50 and #51), and I tried to highlight the procedure to solving these complex vector problems.

1. Start with the appropriate vector formula (helps when you try to draw the picture...head to tail, or tail to tail)
2. List the givens.
3. Plot the vectors on the Cartesian Plane.
4. Complete the triangle.
5. Use law of cosines for the magnitude of the vector (usually)
6. Use the law of sines for the direction (usually)
7. State your answer.

Be sure to review some the projectile motion examples tonight and have a good breakfast tomorrow...see you at the test!

Using Equations to Solve Problems

Today in Physics we tried to further develop our skill when converting a d-t graph to a v-t graph. We'll continue to work on that tomorrow. We also started using the formulas we wrote down last week.

I wanted to emphasize the importance of following the problem solving procedure. So I'll list it again.

1. State the formula (if you use the wrong one we'll find out in the next few steps-plus it tells me what I need to review with you)
2. List the givens in the problem (this step shows me that you know what the variables represent and that you read and understood the problem).
3. Substitute the values into the formula (show this step...don't just say you did it on your calculator)
4. Calculuate your answer.

When you follow these steps when solving problems I'll be able to give you marks for the parts you get right, but I'll also be better able to identify how to help you. Finish your homework tonight (1-4 pages 64 & 65) and I'll see you tomorrow in class.

2.2: Higher Order Radicals

Today we discussed some homework from lesson 1, then moved on to the lesson above. We read through the examples, and worked a few questions from the assignment. I skipped the mental math today.

Tomorrow we may get to writing down "the one line".

Rational Exponents (Lesson #1-review)

Today we took a quick look at the module to come. Our first lesson today was mostly review, with something new we called Exponential Equations. If you finish your homework for Monday and understand everything well...I'll pass along the 'one line' secret to unlock the rest of the module. More to come....

Projectile Motion

So if imagining what projectile motion might look like with all of the vectors and stuff drawn in is difficult (and it is), the link above (the title of this post) will take you to 'The Physics Classroom'. They have some great flash animation of most of the types of problems we'll be working on. Have a look.

I'm Geting Ready...

Hopefully you've had another great day off...I thought I'd come in to work and get a few things ready in the classroom for when you return.

If you're doing some back to school shopping remember that notebooks are easy to use and pencils are the preferred writing utensil for mathematics. For Physics, Math 9, or Pre-Calc you won't need to fancy of a calculator, and if you'd like you could even postpone getting one until after we're back in school to ask me any questions you might have.

You might notice a link to my new WIKI. The wiki will be a place for everyone to share and add to from time to time. Not to worry we'll go slow at first until everyone is comfortable working with it.

See you soon!

Getting Ready yet?!?

So, exactly how did summer pass this quickly. It seems for me that we just finished classes, and now I'm already getting ready for the year to come. I hope your holidays have gone well. Thanks to W and to H for dropping by over the summer and stay in touch as I'll be updating things as the year goes along.

Over the next few days I'll update with a couple of suggestions for back to school supplies and if you're one the prospective members of the yet to be named "Calculus Club" be sure to leave a comment to at least say hi as we'll be working from here a great deal...

Enjoy the time we have left...