Check-In + Sugar Packets

Welcome back from the weekend. I hope you all stayed dry!

A quick problem to get your minds working. Please pay attention to moving between English phrases and mathematical symbols.

For the following sentences, please create and solve an equation. As you create your equation, please make sure that you identify what any variable stands for:

Al's father is 45. He is 15 years older than twice Al's age. How old is Al?


Check-in on identifying patterns and expressing them in multiple ways + writing algebraic expressions and equations.

Sugar Packet Problem...

Thanks to Dan Meyer

Domino Sugar Packet Information

Coca-Cola Product Information


Just wondering...Do you think that the amount of sugar is constant in every size Coke? Show me (in as many ways as possible) what you find out!

You all are awesome!

I said it yesterday and want to say it again. I am impressed at the level of perseverance that has developed in this classroom. At the beginning of the year you would work on a problem for a few moments and then stop. Now, you can work for an hour. Great work!

Today, we will go back through some of the work that you have recently completed since I was not here on Tuesday. Then, with a few hints, I will turn you back on the Painted Cube problem.

Let's get started! How many different solutions can you come with that satisfies the following:

a * (b + c) = a + b * c

(A way to think about it - what are values for a, b, and c that make the equation true?)

Painted Cubes

What would the next cube look like? What is happening in this pattern? 

Can you describe the pattern using both a table and a graph?

Can you write an equation the examines the relationship between:

• the cube # and the total number of cubes with two faces painted?

and

• the cube # and the total number of cubes that are not painted?

Can you write an equation that combines painted and non-painted faces?

More variables

Vocabulary! What are the words associated with sum, difference, product and quotient? How can you transfer a word phrase into an algebraic expression? This is a big focus of today.

We will play some games associated with vocabulary but please let me know if you are not sure about words by the end of class.

Another graph to equation to pattern...

The Variable Dilemma

Each letter in the equations below stands for a different number (0 through 9). Look at each equation carefully. Think about the knowledge you have of how numbers work.

Find the values of each letter (A through J).

G + G + G = D
J + E = J
G2 = D
B + G = D
F - B = C
A * C = A
I / H = A, H > A

Please keep track of your steps and explain your reasoning. Maybe there are some more obvious mathematical ideas that you want to write about.
Steps          ||          Reasoning

From Graph to Pattern to Equation

For Friday, please complete problems 1-6 on p. 64 

Current Tracking Sheet

For next class:
Today, each student worked on the Super Hex problem. Then, in groups of 4, students successfully worked the problem. For Wednesday, please do the following:

1. Check your work and give yourself a score for letters b, c, g and h.

2. Explain why you are at that current level. (For example, you decide that you are almost at a level 3 and you give yourself a 2.5. You then describe what was wrong with your work. Why didn't you fully show that standard?)

3. Update your work (redo the problem) in a way that you think would be a max score.

Please let me know if there are any questions!

Super Hex Table

Round 2 of Job Applications - Congratulations! Your work has gotten you to the final level. In some occasions, the Super Hex Table design is used. It is shown below. Additional tables are added on one end so that a line is formed.

The task:

1. How many people can be seated if there are 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, or 21 tables?

Please present this information in a table and a graph.

2. How many tables are needed for 452 people?

3. What equation could be used to determine the number of tables needed for any group of people?

4. Please describe your process of determining this equation. In your explanation, describe the connection between your equation and the physical tables. Let us know your thoughts! How did you figure out the pattern and the equation?

Using Patterns to plan events

It was fun getting started on patterns with you all last class. The following items are our initial objectives:
1. Identify a repeating pattern
2. Sketch additional figures in a repeating pattern.
3. Create a table to collect data from patterns.
4. Plot data.
5. Create an expression that best describes the pattern.
6. Use the expression to determine additional information.

Language objectives included:
1. Being able to describe a pattern using complete sentences.
2. Being able to describe your thought processes when solving a problem.


As you get settled in today, please do the following:

1. Sketch figures 4 and 5 and then figure 0.
2. How many tiles would be used in figure 13? Sketch.
3. How many tiles would be used in figure 26?

4. Create a table that has your data. Please list figures 0, 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 13, 26 and for any "n".

5. Graph the data.

6. Using your expression for n, determine how many tiles would be used for figure 71.

7. If you had 122 tiles, what figure would you be on?

Job Announcement!

Super Banquets has heard about the wonderful TAIMUN event that takes place at your school and want to offer you the opportunity to work for our company. From small parties to large galas involving hundreds of people, we plan events. You have been highly recommended yet we would like for you to complete our standard planning questions so that we have a record of your amazing abilities (you know, just getting the paper-work done).

Our two basic table designs are described below:

The Standard (sits six people comfortably and extra tables can be added on the short side)

Close & Comfy (sits three along a side of an equilateral triangle. Extra tables added to any end.

The task: Come up with a way for us to quickly determine the number of tables needed for an event using either table set-up.

From the Boss: Please show me your information in as many different ways as possible. I have all sorts of different clients and each one likes to see information in different ways. Thanks!

Looking at Patterns

Welcome back from spring break! I hope that you kept up with your personal data tracking throughout the break. We will start by talking about any challenges from the break.

Today, we are going to begin looking into patterns.


Please tape/glue the following pattern into your math notebook.



1. In words, describe the pattern that is shown above.

2. How many tiles do you think are in the 4th step? Draw the 4th step.

3. Draw the 13th step.