Algebra II Portfolio

Izzy Bonecutter

Content Skill
Topic: Logarithms
Specifically: Using the properties of logarithms
Properties of Logarithms:
- Log(x^P) = Plog(x)
- Log(x*y) = Log(x) + Log(y)
- Log(x/y) = log(x) - Log(y)
These three basic properties all follow directly from the fact that logs are
exponents.
I have mastered this topic in Algebra II though certain activities we have
explored throughout the class. A piece of evidence that have helped me
master the skill of using the properties of logarithms was:
1) Practice 16: This practice dealt with using the properties of
logarithms (all 3) the task was to put the logs in a simpler form that
could be solved. On this practice I was able to mark the properties in
colors to make them visually easier to follow.
I know I have mastered this skill because of the fluency in my work and my
understanding of being able to look at a log and use the property of that
certain log to solve it correctly. The skill was proved many times in Practice
16, along with Exploration 17.
REFERENCE PICTURES BELOW FOR ASSIGNMENT 16 & 17
Examples of mastery:
-On problem 1 (Practice 16) the problem gave the log {16^y=x} When I look
at this log I am able to rely on the properties to help me solve the problem.
This specific problem matched the property Log (X^P) = Plog (x). To make
the process simpler I would put the problem in color. For example)

Log16^y=x = Property Log (X^P) = Plog (x)

ANSWER= Log16^x=y I know this answer is correct because it follows
the property of this certain logarithm
In the beginning of this process I would mix up my numbers and variables
and get confused on placement. Once I began to use colors, my work
became more organized and I was able to keep track of the steps more

easily. Learning this has helped me gain a deeper understanding about

logarithms.

Problem Solving Skills

The two problem solving skills I have demonstrated this year:
-Brainstorm multiple approaches
-This skill is very important. Many people learn in different ways and being
able to approach a problem in several ways is a crucial way of learning. I
found myself using this skill a lot this semester. I have learned that there are
certain ways to approach certain problems that take less work, and make
more sense to me.
-I have demonstrated this skill through my tests and explorations this
semester. One study guide (to prepare me for similar problems on the test)
that let me demonstrate my approach on the problem was the Exponents
and Logarithms Study Guide.
REFERENCE THE STUDY GUIDE IN THE PICTURE BELOW
On problem 2 on this study guide we were to answer a question that dealt
with compounding. When looking at problems like these you have multiple
approaches you can take. You can use the formula for continuously
compounded interest or just compounded interest.
Equations:
-continuously compounded interest: f(x) = Pe^(rt)
-compounded interest: f(x) = Pb^(kt)
-You must note and know what these variables mean
p=initial change
b=change factor
e=2.71828
r=growth rate as a decimal
Solving problem 2:
Problem: You put $8400 into a account earning 7.8% interest compounded
continuously write an equation and use it to find the amount in the account
after 4 years.
(right away I know that this is being continuously compounded so I must use
the equation that matches that.) After completing my equation (below) I was
able to come out with a reasonable answer of 11,475.70 dollars remaining in
the account after 4 years.

This problem didn't cause me any difficulty because I was able to choose
which way I approached the problem and when you choose the correct
equation it becomes simple.
-Develop general rules
-This skill is also very important. Looking at a math problem can become very
frustrating and difficult, especially for someone like me who has a really
difficult time with math. Developing general rules is something I have relied
on this whole year. Referring back to a certain rule makes you understand
the problem easier by having a visual rule, and something to remember how
to approach the problem. There are numerous rules in math that can help
you succeed from the most simple to the most complex.
I have demonstrated this skill all throughout the year. POW 1 was one of the
assignments where I was able to generate general rules to solve the complex
problem and the different pieces of it. In POW 1 we had to do different unit
conversions. This is one one of the rules I had to use. For example, I needed
to convert km to miles, and I needed to know the rule of cross canceling, and
being able to pinpoint and draw graphs to show my answers.
Using the rule of conversions can be very difficult, and they can take a long
time depending on how you do them. I learned that cross canceling made
the process easier.