Using the Pythagorean Theorem

A squared + B squared = C squared

Sounds pretty basic, doesn't it? But as we've found this week the uses for the Pythagorean Theorem are far reaching, from analyzing a baseball diamond, to being able to determine the height of a tree, as long as we know certain key pieces of information.

We will be reviewing all we've investigated in 2011 on Monday, including:

-Interpreting and Estimating Square Numbers

-Finding the Area and Side Lengths of Squares, Triangles, Irregular Polygons

-Finding missing sides of triangles

-Analyzing 30-60-90 triangles

Our Quiz on these topics will be Tuesday February 1st.

If you were absent any day this week, or lost a copy of the homework, you can click the link below to download all this weeks classwork and home. Be sure to also click the link under class notes to review what you missed

http://dl.dropbox.com/u/10516607/8th%20Handouts/Problem4_Looking_for_Pythagorus.pdf

Problem 2.1 Looking for Squares

Today in class students worked in groups to find out how many squares with whole number areas can be formed within a 5 dot by 5 dot grid. Students worked with their tables and were able to use geoboards to model and build different squares using rubber bands.

While some squares are easier to find, squares with tilted sides are a bit more challenging. There are a total of 8 different squares that can be created within the 5x5 grid. Can you find them all?

Click the link below to access the classwork and homework for today (Monday 1/10/11)

http://dl.dropbox.com/u/10516607/8th%20Handouts/8math_2.1LookingforSquares_pdf.pdf

This week's classwork and homework

Welcome back everyone!

I hope you had an enjoyable break and are recharged to make 2011 a great year!

This week we have begun our new unit, exploring the side lengths and areas of right triangles and squares as we begin our investigation leading towards the understanding and application of the Pythagorean Theorem.

Though most of us are back, I know there are a coupe students who have not yet returned or are visiting high schools and may miss some class this week. Below is the link to download the classwork and homework for Monday (1.1), Tuesday (1.2) and Wednesday (1.3), so you can stay involved in what we are learning, even if you are absent for some reason.

http://dl.dropbox.com/u/10516607/8Math/CW%3AHW_1.1-1.3_studentworksheets.docx