Education Technology

Algebra 1: Factoring Special Cases

by Texas Instruments

Overview

Given a set of shapes whose combined areas represent the left-hand expression, students manipulate them to create rectangles whose areas are equal to the right-hand expression.

Key Steps

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    In Problem 1, students factor a perfect square trinomial. They find the areas of each of the four figures and arrange the figures to form a square.

     

    Make sure all student calculators have Cabri™ Jr. installed.

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    In Problem 2, students prove the rule for factoring a difference of squares.

    Students will manipulate the squares to show removing the smaller from the larger.

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    Students next transform the L-shape that remains into a long rectangle with the same area. They then compare the areas.