This week was a real mess up for me. I took notes all week as I described in my last reflection. However, since we were told what calculator we would need for this class ive been looking at every large franchise as well as every mom and pop store that even had any form of an electronics section. Then I went online and looked for any store from here to new Orleans to Hammond to baton rouge and this calculator was on back order. So I borrowed one for class but because others needed it for their homework I was unable to completely do homework. I think this was ultimately my demise. I got the calculator rush delivered from some random electronic store and it was delivered on Thursday. I tried to get in as much practice that night but I felt really unprepared for the test. So the inexperience and the “self fulfilling prophecy” killed me on the test. I’m ready for this coming week because I know ill do so much better now that I have a calculator of my own.
For the positive side I learned that in order to pass homework will always have to be done and Im now looking forward to the sense of accomplishment that Is to come with the next test. This week I understood everything for the most part. I memorized how to conduct the steps to work and sketch a polynomial function in no time. I just made quick steps and tricks to remember them.
Easy steps to work and sketch a polynomial function
1. Every X must be factored.
2. Put each X on the number line
3. Take each “ before and after”
4. * put in F(X)
5. Look for pos and neg
6. Sketch the graph
Now for the calculator
Press y = & enter the equation
Press graph Need max/min?
1. Press 2nd then trace
2. Pick max or min
3. Follow the “bound direction”
4. Press enter
5. Repeat steps 3 and 4
6. Then guess where the middle of the swoop is
7. Press enter
8. Put the x and y results into ()
Now repeat steps one through eight to solve for the other
And once you have the results placed in () you are done!
Now the thing of this week to be pessimistic about, I have noticed that my old problem of deciphering which method to choose when faced with an equation and simply directions stating “solve” I totally blank. I think its mostly a matter of the perfectionist in me taking over. I see the problem and I immediately see at least two ways to solve the problem.. so I begin to solve. About halfway through I begin to think the other way is a better way to solve. Then I realize there is a third way to solve and my brain freaks out and decides the third way is most definitely the best way to solve. So its all downhill from there until im too confused to remember how to solve any way possible that I skip it and move on.These problems are the worst for me. When we get the tests back I will be able to supply an example of a problem and ill do a follow up post with my exact thought process that went along with it. For now I’m just looking for a way to prevent the freak out. Any advice would be great. Even if its just a helpful hint at how to decide on the right solution in times where there is more than one…
Thanks !
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Yeah I'm also having the same exact problem but what I learned from experience is that when you are taking a test, don't second guess yourself because most likely, you are correct. And when you do find out what formulas to use for those particular problems, I would be thankful if you let me know them.
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ReplyDeleteI may be able to help! If you memorize the rules that mrs. Robinson gave us, it is fairly easy. so first of all to solve anyting bigger than a quadratic use have three choices: factor by grouping, quadratic form, and rational root theorem. If you look at the problem and it has an odd number of terms, automatically rule out factor by grouping. If it has three terms you may be able to use quadratic form but you have to check if the first term = the second exponent times two. Also, the last term must be a #. If your problems exponent times two doesn't equal your first term then your only last resort is to do rational root theorem. Just refer back to the notes and it should all make sense if those rules are memorized!!
ReplyDeleteHope it helped :)
all you have to do is:
ReplyDelete1st- press y= then type in your equation
2nd- press graph snd it should graph your parabola.