Below are some of the common mistakes I found on your geometry homework and exams; please make sure you do not make the same mistakes:
Do not confuse the following symbols: and ; ∠ABC and m∠ABC.
Remember if there are more than one angle sharing the same vertex you have to use three letters to represent the angle; such as ∠ABC.
Before using the HL Theorem to prove two triangles are congruent, first you have to show that these two triangles are right triangles.
Do not write "Alternate interior angles are congruent". Instead, you should write "If two parallel lines are cut by a transversal, then alternate interior angles are congruent."
If you use this theorem "If one angle of a triangle is larger than a second angle, then the side opposite the first angle is longer than the side opposite the second angle.", you must make sure that the angles and sides belong to the same triangle.
If more than one angle belong to the same vertex, use three letters to label the angle, such as ∠ABC. Do not use ∠ B in this case.
Do not write "∆ABC = 180°". Instead, you should write "The sum of measures of interior angles of ∆ABC is 180°"
Do not leave out π when you round a number. For example, when you round the number to the nearest hundredth, you should write 1.05. Do not write 0.33π.
If you have any questions regarding this Common Core Geometry course, please send me and email (chenhuo@bxscience.edu) with title "Geometry Q&A". I will post the answer here to share with everybody.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Should we bring a scientific calculator or a graphing calculator to the Midyear Exam?
A: You need to bring a graphing calculator. Not all the graphing calculators are allowed; please get a TI-83 or TI-84 graphing calculator. You will use TI-83 or TI-84 in most of your math classes as well as on the Regents exams and the SAT exams.
Q: I missed an exam due to medical or other excusable reason, when can I take the makeup exam.
A: Your makeup exam will be automatically scheduled to the immediate upcoming SGI. You can also schedule a date with me before the immediate upcoming SGI.
Q: Should we use pen or pencil to answer questions on exams?
A: All work should be written in pen, except for graphs and drawings, which should be done in pencil.
Q: Do I need to show work when I answer a question on exams.
A: You should always show all work to receive full credit (except for multiple choice questions). Make sure to establish equations when needed. When explanation a question, make sure to include theorems to support your statements.
Q: Can I use guess and check method to solve free response questions on the unit exams?
A: You will not receive full credits for any free response questions that are solved by using only guess and check method.
Q: How is my overall exam grade calculated?
A: Add up the points your earns in all the exams, then divide that by the sum of the full points of all the exam that percentage is your overall exam grade. (For example, let's your score on Exam 1, Exam 2 and Exam 3 are 40, 35, 37 respectively; and the full points on these three exams are all 40 points. The your overall exam grade is (40+35+37)/(40+40+40) which is about 93%.
Q: I get above 85% on the most recent exam, does it mean that I will be dropped from the mandatory SGI program?
A: No. just because you get above 85% on the most recent exam does not mean you will be dropped from the mandatory SGI program. It depends on many factors. You will be notified if you are dropped from the mandatory SGI program. You cannot decide when you will be dropped from the mandatory SGI program. Please do not ask me repeatedly.
Q: What should I use for the value of π?
A: Students should use the π symbol and its corresponding value (i.e. pi key on the calculator) when applicable on the Regents Examination in Geometry. Unless otherwise specified, it is unacceptable to use of the approximate values of π, such as 3.1416, 3.14 or 22/7.