Structured Notes

 

Step 1. Prepare the paper

   
   
   
   
   

Step 2. Record

The problem
Evaluate (2 + x)(3), where x = -4
Substitute
(2 + x)(3) = (2 + -4)(3)
Simplify
(-2)(3)
Evaluate
-6
So, the value of (2 + x)(3) is -6 when x is -4.

Step 3. Questions

Examples of questions would be, what do the key words on the left side mean? Take notes and put them on the left side of the chart for reviewing purposes later.

The problem
Evaluate (2 + x)(3), where x = -4
Substitute
(2 + x)(3) = (2 + -4)(3)
Simplify
(-2)(3)
Evaluate
-6
So, the value of (2 + x)(3) is -6 when x is -4.
   
Substitute
to put in place of
Evaluate
to find the value

 

Step 4. Recite

Cover the left hand side of the paper and go through the things on the right. Tell what was done, and why each step was made.

"We put -4 in for x, this is substituting. Then we made it more simple. The next thing we did was to answer the question. To put in place of means we substituted. To find the value of means to evaluate."

 

Step 5. Reflect

Did everything make sense? If something did not make sense, go back through it or ask for help.

"I didn't understand the substitution step. Mr. Ruehs, can you come over and help me because I don't understand this step right here."

Step 6. Review

Go over these notes a couple times every week.

This example was Created by David Ruehs

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