PC+Room

=Please add your thinking to these questions:=

What do you know about working with algebraic expressions and polynomials?
 * During Session 5:**

I know that polynomials can be purchased over the counter without a prescription. Using wikis with no permissions is riskier, because you leave yourself open to vandalism. Love, the Mac Room.

I know that polynomials are a big topic within the 8th grade curriculum.

I know that it is a difficult concept to get over to students especially when it has exponents. There should be some form of visuals for this concept.

Many of my students get confused with 'like terms'. Given 2x+3=11, they add the 2 and the 3.

=Complete the questions below during Work Time during Sessions 6-8:=

How are the second and third terms of a factorable trinomial related to the binomial factors? The constant in the second term is the sum of the factors of the third term.
 * During Session 6:**

How can an area model be used to determine if a polynomial can be factored?
 * During Session 7:**

A polynomial can be factored if it can be represented by a rectangle using the area model. If you can make a rectangle out of the algebra tiles representing a trinomial, having no missing or left over pieces, then that trinomial is factorable. By creating a rectangle made up of algebra tiles we find that the factors of a factorable trinomial are the lengths of the sides of that rectangle.

Using an area model, how is factoring a polynomial with negative terms different than factoring a polynomial with all positive terms?
 * During Session 8:**

Factoring a polynomial with negative terms is different than with positive terms when using an area model because you need to create “zero-pairs”. A “zero-pair” is a positive and a negative that together equal zero. These pairs are needed to complete the rectangular shape created by the area model of a factorable trinomial.

The NLVM website offers virtual manipulatives for solving equations with positive and negative integers. Students will know if their answers are correct if the scale balances out. They will know that both sides of the equation are equal. Lesson 8.8 Compare and Contrast websites on Algebra Tiles

x and y by sliding the red or blue bars ||  ||   || without up to date java ||  ||   ||
 * Features || NLVM || Argyll || Questions ||
 * Directions || limited directions || very detailed ||  ||
 * Snap to Grid || yes ||  ||   ||
 * Rotate || yes, hold on the corner and rotate ||  ||   ||
 * Enough Practice || only two problems || alot of practice ||  ||
 * Trash for incorrect piece || has a trash bin || has a trash bin ||  ||
 * Sliders || allows you to change the values of
 * Sliders || allows you to change the values of
 * Integers || No integers, only natural numbers || Caters for integers ||  ||
 * Rules for factoring ||  ||   ||   ||
 * Colors || Pale colors || Bright and colorful ||  ||
 * Checking answers || no ||  ||   ||
 * Tech difficulties || no, but could be on some machines
 * Display || includes an outline of the rectangle ||  ||   ||
 * Right Click || no right click ||  ||   ||
 * What would you use it for? || as a reinforcement || as an intro ||  ||
 * Overall rating || good || very good ||  ||

(with & w/out algebra tiles) ||  ||   ||   ||
 * Math Concepts || NLVM || Argyll || Questions/Comments ||
 * Factoring Trinomials
 * Factoring Trinomials
 * Algebra tile kit ||  ||   ||   ||
 * Multiplying polynomials ||  ||   ||   ||
 * Varying Difficulty ||  ||   ||   ||
 * Equivalent Expressions ||  ||   ||   ||
 * Distributive Property ||  ||   ||   ||
 * Form of Equations ||  ||   ||   ||