A2.A-SSE.1a, 1b, 2
2011
Domain: Seeing Structure in Expressions
Cluster: Interpret the structure of expressions
Standards:
1. Interpret expressions that represent a quantity in terms of its context.
a. Interpret parts of an expression, such as terms, factors, and coefficients.
b. Interpret complicated expressions by viewing one or more of their parts as a single entity. For example, interpret
P(1+r)n as the product of P and a factor not depending on P.
2. Use the structure of an expression to identify ways to rewrite it. For example, see x4 – y4 as (x2)2 – (y2)2, thus recognizing it
as a difference of squares that can be factored as (x2 – y2)(x2 + y2).
Essential Questions
What are the vocabulary
names of various parts of
an expression?
How do you simplify
algebraic expressions with
exponents?
What are some special
product patterns and how
are higher degree
polynomials factored?
Content Statements
Enduring Understandings
Recognize the importance of
symbolism and interpretation
within the language of algebra.
Understanding the key terms of
various parts of an expression
will improve communication
with simplifying all types of
algebraic expressions.
Activities, Investigation, and Student Experiences
Mathematical modeling problems:
 Area model – difference of two squares and squares of
binomials
 Pascal’s Triangle
 Volume of a cube
A2.A-SSE.1a, 1b, 2
Identify the different parts of
the expression and explain
their meaning within the
context of a problem.
Decompose expressions and
make sense of the multiple
factors and terms by
explaining the meaning of the
individual parts.
Rewrite algebraic expressions
in different equivalent forms
such as factoring or
combining like terms.
Use factoring techniques such
as common factors, grouping,
the difference of two squares,
the sum or difference of two
cubes, or a combination of
methods to factor completely.
Simplify expressions
including combining like
terms, using the distributive
property and other operations
with polynomials.
Assessments
Factor the following polynomials:
4x2-25y2 (2x – 5y)(2x + 5y)
x3-8 (x – 2)(x2 + 2x +4)
x2 + 14x + 49 (x + 7)2
x6+64y6 (x2 + 4y2)(x4 – 4x2y2 + 16y4)
2011
A2.A-SSE.1a, 1b, 2
2011
x3 + x2 – 9x – 9 (x + 1)(x + 3)(x – 3)
Equipment Needed:
Internet access
Teacher Resources:
http://www.teacherschoice.com.au/maths_library/algebra/alg_7.
htm
http://www.khanacademy.org/video/binomial-theorem--part2?playlist=Precalculus
North Carolina Department of Public Instruction