Hello again, and happy 2021.

Hello again, and happy 2021. Are we still learning math over here? Oh my, yes. I’ll tell you all about it, but first, a request…
We’re burning through dry erase markers at a furious rate, and I’m almost out. Any that you’d care to donate would be most appreciated! Black markers show up best on camera, and please try to avoid Staples brand markers, as they erase about as well as Sharpies.

What we’re up to:

Calculus II is neck deep in series and sequences. This week we learned about Taylor and Maclaurin polynomials, and we’re going to be investigating those much more closely in the coming days.

Calculus I is learning how to analyze functions using first and second derivatives, and that’ll be the last of derivatives for the year… after which comes integral calculus! Good times.

Precalculus just finished learning how to factor polynomials using long division, and how those factorizations relate to roots. Now they’re applying all the graphing lessons of last semester to solving equations graphically.

Math for Mathematicians has been struggling with a difficult Graph Theory problem, though I’ve never used those words with students, because they make it sound intimidating. They all think they’re just designing and solving fun puzzles!

Until next time,

Mr. Hermann