Algebraic Equations

by Madison D.

This week in Math, we are learning about Algebraic Equations.  Algebraic Equations are like a balanced scale – both sides always need to be equal.  You have to figure out what x equals.  SO  start out with the equation:

x + 2x + 5 = x + 19

You would first draw or build the equation using pawns and number cubes (like shown in the picture below).

Then, you would either try different numbers over and over again until you find the correct one (trial and error) or you can do it an easier way and make a legal move.  A legal move is when you take something away from one side of the equation (algebraic or numerical) you must take it from the other side of the equation to keep it balanced.  So in   x + 2x + 5 = x + 19  , you would take 1 x from each side until one side has no more.  Then you would take the five from each side until you have 2x = 14. 

Your answer would be x = 7.  To check you would put a 7 for every x you see so   x + 2x + 5  = (7+7+7+5 = 26) and the other side is x + 19 = (7+19 = 26).  So both sides equal 26 and the equation is still balanced so you have the right answer. 

Palindrome Math

by Christine V.

The Red Team did a project with numerical palindromes.  A palindrome is a number that is written the same from from the front and back such as 949.  First, Mr. Gann gave us a regular number.  We then reversed the number and added those two numbers together.  If the sum was not a palindrome then we kept repeating the process over and over.   When we were done we placed it on construction paper strips and added it to our chart.  Here is an example:

188 + 881 = 1,069

1,069 + 9,601 = 10,670

10,670 + 07,601 = 18,271

18,271 + 17,281 = 35,552

35,552 + 25,553 = 61,105

61,105 + 50,116 = 111,221

111,221 + 122,111 = 233,332

Decimal Jeopardy!

by Austin R.

Today the Red Team played Decimal Jeopardy in math class.  It was just like the real show.  The reason we did it was to review for our test on Monday.   A-side played against B-side.  The categories were Decimal Models, Expanded Form, Ordering Decimals, Equivalent Decimals, Potpourri, and more.  A person from each team was trying to get the answer first for the points.  Everyone else was trying to do it at their desk.  We rotated around until the Final Jeopardy question.   It was a close game.  In Mr. Gann’s homeroom, B-side won.  It was fun.

Welcome!

Welcome to our classroom blog!  I will be teaching 5th Grade Math on the Red Team for the 2009-2010 school year.  I am in the beginning stages of creating a communication source for my classroom.  Check back in August to see what we are learning!

Classes begin August 18th.