That is our essential question for this unit in Algebra 2. I am still new to essential questions but I like this one. It helps students focus on the problem solving strategies we learn in math class but also gives them a chance to thing about the problems they face outside of class. This question reminds me of one of my favorite mathematical principles, "Make sense of problems and persevere in solving them". I know not everyone likes math or wants to get a degree in math but life is full of problems and hardships. In math class we can practice persevering through problems and making sense of the problem before us without giving up.
The problem solving in this unit is focusing on solving quadratic equations. We are learning several different methods and have started having conversations about why we have different methods, which one is easiest, and are there times when one method is better than another. We have already reviewed solving by factoring and with the quadratic formula. Today we learned solve by completing the square. I have a seven step box strategy that helps students stay organized. For some students this is one of the longest and sometimes ugliest problem they have every face. My goal is that they persevere through the length and feel confident. That definitely happened today! Here is a copy of the notes:
