Rational or Irrational Number

There are two types of numbers: rational or irrational, or in simpler terms, numbers that make sense (or can be predicted) and numbers that don't (these numbers will never repeat or stop). The definition or a rational number is that this number can be written as two integers in a numerator and denominator of a fraction. These numbers will get a terminating decimal or else you'll find, it's really rather neat, that the numbers will repeat.

Converting fractions to decimals
On a calculator
All you have to do is to divide
The numerator by the denominator
You'll get a terminating decimal
Or else you'll find
It's really rather neat
That the numbers they repeat
3.141592653589 and on and on is a common IRRATIONAL number because the decimal never repeats or terminates. These numbers will drive you irrational or crazy.

There are two kinds of fears: rational and irrational- or, in simpler terms, fears that make sense and fears that don't. For instance, the Baudelaire orphans have a fear of Count Olaf, which makes perfect sense, because he is an evil man who wants to destroy them. But if they were afraid of lemon meringue pie, this would be an irrational fear, because lemon meringue pie is delicious and would never hurt a soul. Being afraid of a monster under the bed is perfectly rational, because there may in fact be a monster under your bed at any time, ready to eat you all up, but a fear of realtors is an irrational fear. Realtors, as I'm sure you know, are people who assist in the buying and selling of houses. Besides occasionally wearing an ugly yellow coat, the worst a realtor can do to you is show you a house that you find ugly, so it is completely irrational to be terrified of them. --Lemony Snicket

YOUtube: when you're doing fractions

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GGG8mvVBt80

Check this out!

When You're Doing Fractions

When you're doing fractions:
Addition or subtractions

Denominators must be the same
If they're different
Then equivalent
Fractions must be your aim

When you multiply
This rule does not apply
Don't you know divide is the same
Once you convert it

When adding fractions
There are certain actions
That you need to implement
To do it right

You need to create a
Common denominator
If the bits that you're given are a different size

This you have to do
For plus and minus too
But not when you times or divide

Cause when you're doing fractions:
Addition or subtractions

Denominators must be the same
If they're different
then equivalent
fractions must be your aim

When you multiply
This rule does not apply
Don't you know divide is the same
Once you convert it

Mixed Numbers: change them before your calculation
Turn them into top heavy fractions instead

When you change them
Do the operation
On a piece of paper or in your head
If the answer that you get
Is top heavy don't forget
To change the fraction back to mixed

Converting fractions to decimals
On a calculator
All you have to do is to divide
The numerator by the denominator
You'll get a terminating decimal
Or else you'll find
It's really rather neat
That the numbers they repeat
Times by 100 then percent you will find

Cause when you're doing fractions:
Addition or subtractions

Denominators must be the same
If they're different
Then equivalent
Fractions must be your aim

When you multiply
This rule does not apply
Don't you know divide is the same

Welcome Back to School

CLASSROOM GUIDELINES

Mrs. McDermott                 Ontario Middle School

Welcome!  In order to guarantee all the students in my classroom the excellent learning climate they deserve, I will tolerate no student stopping another from learning or stopping me from teaching.  I have developed the following set of expectations to help assure this learning environment.

CLASS EXPECTATIONS

1.       Follow all directions the first time they are given.

2.       Come prepared for class each day ready to learn.  Bring:

a.       Paper and pencil/pen

b.       Composition notebook math journal

c.        Your homework assignment

d.       Scientific calculator

e.       Assignment book

f.         Please leave coats and book bags in your locker.

3.       Use common courtesy.  Treat others with consideration and respect.

4.       Be on time for class.  This means being in your seat with materials ready when the bell rings.

THE ONTARIO WAY:

All students at Ontario Middle School are expected to live by three simple, school-wide expectations.  You will find that all the classroom expectations listed above fall under one of these all-encompassing guidelines.  Here are the three guidelines that should guide all of your choices concerning your behavior and actions here at school:

·         BE SAFE

·         BE RESPONSIBLE

·         BE RESPECTFUL

SOME OTHER VERY IMPORTANT ITEMS

                Here are some other policies and routines you will find it helpful to know.

·         Late work is accepted but there is a fine and a deduction of the score. It is critically important that you turn in every assignment each six weeks. Set this as a personal goal for yourself. The option to “redo” is available. 

·         Assignments for my classes will be in my daily assignment book on the counter by our classroom door.  When assignments are given I will write on the homework board what the assignment is and when it is due.  If you are absent, this board should be the first thing you check upon your return to school.  Write down all the assignments you missed in your assignment book and make sure you get copies of any handouts you need.  Extra copies of all handouts will be placed in the bin on the counter by the door. Help yourself to these extra copies as needed, but please don’t make a mess.

·         All of your teachers here at Ontario Middle School will expect you to keep your assignment book up-to-date at all times. 

REQUIRED MATERIALS

·         Three-ring binder with subject pockets or dividers (general use for all your classes.)

·         Notebook paper, white with 3 holes. (for general use)

·         Pencils and pens

·         A scientific calculator (A must for survival in middle school algebra and geometry instruction!)

GRADING POLICY

Mrs. McDermott                            Ontario Middle School

In an effort to provide immediate and meaningful feedback to both you as a student as to myself as a teacher, I have developed the following grading policies. 

The work for this course will consist of a variety of text assignments, in-class activities, problem solving and applied math projects.  Homework will be minimal for this class. I am available every Tuesday-Thursday after-school until 3:15 to help students with their homework for their main math class.

PROBLEM SOLVING ASSIGNMENTS

Learning the fundamental procedures and facts of math is meaningless unless you can apply those skills to solve meaningful problems.  Problem solving will be a major focus of our year together.  I will help you organize some basic problem solving strategies into a framework you can apply to any problem you encounter. 
 

Problem solving assignments will generally take more time than text assignments and will be worth 25 points each.  Scores will be given based on the 5-part scoring guide developed by the Oregon Department of Education.  It will measure conceptual understanding, processes and strategies, verification, communication and accuracy.  You will become very familiar with this scoring guide and it will become an integral part of your problem solving repertoire.

YOUR FINAL GRADE: Compliance with House Bill 2220 requires a change in grading procedures at Ontario Middle School.  A student’s grade will be comprised of ONLY THE ASSESSED PROFICIENCY OF THE ACQUIRED KNOWLEDGE OF THE ACADEMIC CONTENT STANDARDS.  This means only the marks for assessments will be factored into a student’s grade – not practice work, extra credit, participation, etc.  There will be a separate “student responsibility” grade that will reflect their performance in the areas of practice, participation, timeliness, etc.  At this time, the assessment portion of the grade will be weighted 100% and the “student responsibility” portion will be weighted at 0%.  However, this new law is still being interpreted and it is possible there may be some variation in the weights later in the year.  OMS will alert parents of any changes. 

Then your points will be compared to the following scale:

            90% = A

            80% = B

            70% = C

            60% = D

            59% and below = F

CHECKING YOUR GRADE

You are expected to check regularly on your progress in this class.  I will keep grades current on SchoolMaster and they can be checked from home via the HomeAccess system.  You will be provided with a username and password at the beginning of the year. DO NOT LOSE IT!  It is YOUR RESPONSIBILITY to know how you are doing in your classes. This is a critical skill for success in high school. Additionally, your assignments will be posted on e-school daily. We have a class blogspot where we can ask/ answer questions:   mcdermottmath.blogspot.com

Your text book and other resources are on-line at www.corefocusonmath.com .

Username: ontario

Password: ontario1995