Bonnie Stephan, Author at Led to Discover

An example of a trinomial with a coefficient greater than one

Best Factoring Strategies: When the First Coefficient is Greater Than One

Troubles with trinomials? Problems factoring trinomials in which the first term is a co-efficient greater than 1? Wondering where to begin? Are you overwhelmed by the different methods for factoring these types of polynomials? Keep reading to discover the best factoring strategies: when the first coefficient is greater than one. Contents 1. Pre-Requisites for Solving […]

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Introducing Integers: Best Methods with Negative and Positive Numbers

Algebra / Bonnie Stephan

Are your students puzzled by integers? Has this concept been challenging to explain? Have students struggled to grasp these new ideas? Keep reading to discover the best methods for introducing integers, negative and positive numbers, through strategies and games. Contents: 1. What are Integers? Simple examples using positive and negative signs help students see the

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The Cartesian Plane: The x-axis with arunners running opposite directions from zero.

How to Successfully Introduce the Cartesian Plane

Middle School Math / Bonnie Stephan

Are you ready to introduce the Cartesian Plane? Are you looking for a way to pave a smooth foundation for other topics such as graphing points and writing equations? Keep reading and you will discover strategies for how to successfully Introduce the Cartesian Plane. Thoughts on Introducing the Cartesian Plane: Do You See What I

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How to Choose Paper for Graphing on the Cartesian Plane

Algebra / Bonnie Stephan

Trying to find the best graph paper to introduce the Cartesian Plane? Have you attempted to use worksheets that include a Cartesian Plane, though all the lines look the same, making it difficult to find the x and y axis? Maybe you have students with visual challenges and the graph paper you are using does

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How to Successfully Explain the Relationship Between x/y Coordinates and Linear Equations

Geometry, High School Math / Bonnie Stephan

Have your students ever asked, “How does this equation have anything to do with a line on the graph?” To our students, the relationship between an equation and a line can appear unrelated, and abstract. As you continue to read, you will discover strategies, How to Successfully Explain the Relationship Between x/y Coordinates, and Linear

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How to Find Factors of Polynomials in Algebra

Algebra / Bonnie Stephan

Do you teach Middle School Math or Algebra 1? If so, you have discovered there are students who do not know all their multiplication facts. How often have you observed students testing every possible one-digit number to determine the factors for a number such as 88 when attempting to factor a trinomial? True. Some students

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Fractions, Decimals, and Percent: How to Prepare Students

Middle School Math / Bonnie Stephan

You are teaching students how to convert between fraction, decimal, and percent only to discover question marks etched in the faces of your students. After responding to a few questions, it appears as if most of the questions are related to math concepts students have already been taught a year or so ago. What are

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How to Teach Fraction Operations with Mixed Numbers

Middle School Math / Bonnie Stephan

Introduction Are your students struggling with fraction operations which include mixed numbers in the operation? When you review their work do you notice steps get mixed up with other operations? You may have encountered multiplication problems where students have attempted to find the least common denominator. No problem. In this blog it is my passion

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How to Teach Fractions: Subtracting 1/4 of a pizza from 4/4 pieces of pizza

How to Successfully Teach Fraction Operations

Middle School Math / Bonnie Stephan

The school year has started. As you reflect on the year before, you plan to make this year the best year ever! Your goal: to successfully teach fraction operations! Your preparation begins with a new internet search. However, the more you look, the more overwhelmed you feel as you observe so many different methods! I’ve

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Fraction illustrations with circles cut into even parts

How to Successfully Prepare Students for Fraction Operations

Middle School Math / Bonnie Stephan

Lists and provides examples of essential skills students need prior to learning fraction operations.

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