Facing a Challenge (Pre-Cal 11)

QUESTIONS:

The first time I tried this problem I found it challenging because it took a while to expand and square all the components. I doubted myself a few times cause of the high numbers but trusted the process and saw it through.

The mistake I made when I first did this problem was I did not fully factor the squared binomials, so I had to go back and redo them.

Some strategies I used to help me solve this problem: I looked at similar problems to see the steps involved to solve them and applied them to this problem.

Some concepts and skills I needed to remember in order to solve this problem were squaring binomials, adding, subtracting, and squaring both sides of the equals sign at the same time.

Next time I encounter a difficult problem, I might try to find the restrictions for x first, then put everything I can onto one side of the equals sign, and square all the terms to get rid of the radicals. Then I will double check my answers as I go to make sure they make sense.

PRE-Cal 11 Core Competency Self-Assessment

Core Competency Reflection

Learning and using Math vocabulary: I learned new math vocabulary in each chapter and did my best to incorperate it in tests and group work. I used the vocab to better explain questions and how I got to solutions.

Working collaboratively with others: I worked well in groups with both board work, and helping my table members. I participated in group practice questions and helped the others when they didn;t undertand the question or how to get to the answer.

Advice for future students

Don’t let chapter 1 scare you in the beginning

Ask for help from the teacher and your group members

Don’t be worried about asking for a re-test to up your mark

Prey that the tests are on Fridays

Facing A Challenge

Workbook Questions: Chapter 1.7

Questions:

  • The first time I tried this problem I found it challenging because it took a long time to do the equation and all the extraneous solutions to get the right answer. I also did not isolate the variable on one side of the equals sign, then square everything the first time I did this.
  • The mistake I made when I first did this problem was I did not square the binomial correctly, I also forgot to square the product on both sides of the equals sign at the same time. I also did forgot to keep isolating the radical, which is important to get the correct answer.
  • Some strategies I used to help me solve this problem: I asked for help to point me in the right direction to figure out how to solve the problem. I also used the answer key and worked backwards to find the correct solution.
  • Some concepts and skills I needed to remember in order to solve this problem were squaring binomials, adding, subtracting, and squaring both sides of the equals sign at the same time.
  • Next time I encounter a difficult problem, I might try to read find the restrictions for x first,then put everything I can onto one side of the equals sign, and square all the terms to get rid of the radicals. Then I can start squaring, subtracting terms, and isolating the variable, and solving for x.