Monica Monarez

Math 207

Professor Board

October 27th, 2015

Portfolio 2

Comparison:

Problem Set 5- Reflection, Translation and Rotation

I was only able to feel comfortable with Problem Set 5 because I was in expert with

triangles, thanks to Problem Set 3. Before starting Problem Set 5, I was also very

comfortable with right triangles which helped me catch on to the concepts of reflection,

translation, and rotation. The only thing I had to refresh my memory of was regarding

graphing plots on an x-y axis, which happened to be the easiest part.

Problem Set 6- Similar Triangles

Problem Set 1, on quadrilaterals, and Problem Set 3 surprisingly helped me with this

Problem Set. In both Problem Sets the wording used when describing the relationships

between quadrilaterals and triangles has to be specific and clear. There are certain rules you

have to be careful using when successfully describing relationships. I viewed Problem Sets 1

and 3 as practice for describing the relationships amongst similar triangles in Problem Set 6.

Problem Set 7- Pythagorean Theorem and Problem Set 8- The Distance Formula

I would say that Problem Sets 5 and 6 really helped prepare me for the Pythagorean

Theorem and the Distance Formula, as opposed to the previous Problem Sets in Midterm 1.
These Problem Sets were the most fun for me so far. I really liked the word problems in

Problem Set 7 and feel really comfortable figuring them out.

Problem Set 9- Area of a Triangle

This Problem Set tied in all the different topics covered in all of the Problem Sets. We

worked on graphing points, using formulas, identifying triangles and quadrilaterals, finding

their area, and explaining the process thoroughly. I have noticed that each set of Problem

Sets are building blocks that will help comprehend new concepts more easily. If I were to be

given Problem Set 9 the first day of class I would have been really stressed out and

confused. To be given little steps to help understand a bigger picture is a great learning

strategy.

Reflection:

I am most proud of question #8 on the test. Although I did not get the full 5 points for

each of the three problems, I successfully rotated, translated, and reflected the three

triangles (all without patty paper!). I truly did not think it could be done. I am also very

proud of question #3. This was the question I was having trouble with when I broke down

and cried during the test. I was panicking and couldnt understand how to work the problem

out because my mind went blank. After taking a deep breathe I managed to think clearly and

figure the problem out. I am really proud of myself for getting it right.

I definitely think that I need to continue learning problem #7. It was the one day I

was absent from class to go to a wedding and I was not able to take notes. I kind of

memorized how to do the problem for the test, but I did not learn the information. The other

problem I need to continue learning is problem #4. I am having a hard time understanding
how to break down square roots. I think with a little more practice I will be a pro at it for the

final.

I received a 77% on the test. For the amount of time and effort I put into studying I

think I should have gotten a better grade. I have only missed one class, completed all of the

homework, write notes, and go over everything we talk about in class daily. For someone

who is trying so hard I think I should have gotten an A. I could have tried to schedule office

hours with you before the test to go over what I missed in class the one day I was absent. I

really think that would have helped my confidence, as well. I felt lost with a problem I knew

was going to be on the test so I was anxious about taking it.