Certified Tutors From Bluffton University

We worked in this session based on the previous practice test. We started with fractions, multiplications and divisions then we moved to exponents and the operations with exponents. we studied the simplification of variables in form of fractions and we started the basics of one variable equations. With continued practice, she should be more than ready for her test.

Today I reviewed the student's worksheets for Lessons 3 and 4 with her. She generally remembers and understands the concepts well. We went over algebraic number rules because she didn't remember them, and then took the exams for the units and did well.

The student and I did an overview of logarithmic and exponential functions today. We started with a quick review of transformations of graphs of exponential functions. I reminded her that no exponent, no matter how small, will make a number zero, so there will be an asymptote at y=0 and the range will begin at zero (unless there is a vertical shift). We also reviewed where minus signs have to be for reflections over the x- and y-axes. After this, she did some decay problems. I told her to start with the equation for continuously compounded growth/decay. I advised her that if she wasn't given the rate she would have to plug in the beginning and ending quantities as well as time in order to solve for the rate, then use that rate in the equation to find any other information required. After that, she continued to do work on real-world problems to compute interest and population. The most important thing is that she identifies whether to use the equation of regularly compounded or continuously compounded, and to see if she needs to find the rate before making other calculations. Finally she worked on some review problems of the properties of exponents. I reminded her that order is important, and if she is expanding she should move the exponent in front last, but if she is doing the reverse she must move the coefficient to become an exponent first. Finally, she did some problems requiring her to change the base of the logarithm, and some requiring her to recognize this form and convert them backwards so they could be combined with other logarithms. Once she recognized the form she was looking for, she understood how this worked.

We covered the distributive property. The student understood the material very well. We will continue to review during the next session.

This was the 2nd to last meeting with this student, and the last meeting we had covering content before a practice exam. Today we focused on working with complex numbers and how to distribute, use the quadratic formula and multiply by the conjugate with imaginary number i. We also worked on binomial factorization and how to apply them to word problems. The last thing that we covered in today's session was working with matrices and how to add, subtract, multiply, and use 2x2 determinants. It has been a lot of fun to see the growth in the student and to see how far she has come from day one. Our last session will consist of a small review session followed by a practice exam.

This week we continued with some basic algebra concepts like one step equations. We also discussed converting between fractions and decimals, exponential and linear functions, two-step equations, and scientific notation. I email the student many worksheets for extra practice. He should have a unit exam coming up, and I want him prepared for it. He had a great attitude towards the material. We covered a lot of material, and he grasped the concepts well.