Multiplying Polynomials
Context:
This lesson is designed for a high school Algebra 1 course.
Objective:
The student will multiply a polynomial by a single monomial. The student
will multiply polynomials using the distributive proper or the FOIL
method. The student will use a website to help solve multiplying
polynomials. The student will find out about a website to teach them how
to multiply polynomials.
SOL (2001): A.11 The student will add, subtract, and multiply polynomials and divide
polynomials with monomial divisors, using concrete objects, pictorial and
area representations, and algebraic manipulations
Materials/
Resources: Dry-Erase Board, Dry-Erase Markers, Multiplying Polynomials Guided
Notes, Multiplying Polynomials Homework, Laptop, Projector, Screen,
ActiveInspire program
Time
Required:
1 hour 20 minutes – 1 hour 30 minutes
Content and Instructional Strategies:
1. When students first enter class, have a worksheet where students are practicing
how to add and subtract polynomials. Ask the students to put any homework
problems that they had trouble with on the board to review later. After you turn in
your attendance and are ready for class, ask the class if they have any questions
then collect the worksheets. (10 minutes)
2. Go over the problems that students had with the homework last night. Have a few
problems in hand and go over those in class just in case none of the students put
up questions. (5-10 minutes)
3. Hand out the Multiplying Polynomials Guided Notes to the students. (1 minute)
4. Introduce Multiplying polynomials to students and let them know that we will
first learn how to multiply binomials. Define what a binomial is (again) to the
students. (1-2 minute(s))
5. Let students know that 2 methods will be shown on how to multiply binomials.
The first method that you will go over is the distributive method. Remind students
that you went over the distributive homework yesterday and that they all should
know how to multiply a monomial by a polynomial. (3-5 minutes)
6. Work through the first problem with the students. The final answer will be ac + ad
+ bc + bd. (3-5 minutes)
7. Begin to answer the next example for the students but try to engage them and
allow them to fill-in the steps. As each student gives the next step, ask another
student to come up to the board and write the step for them. The final answer will
be 10x2 + 31x + 24. (5 minutes)
8. Pass out the Multiplying Polynomials worksheet and have students answer
questions 1-4. Ask the class who would like to come up to the board and answer
each question. (Write it on the side board). Set up algebra tiles website. (5-10
minutes)
9. Correct each student’s work then move on to algebra tiles website and explain
how it works to the students. If you are confident about using ActiveInspire, then
use it in class but it becomes hard to scroll down once you set the program to
Desktop Annotate, which is the function that allows you to write on your
computer screen. If you are not confident about using ActiveInspire, leave the
screen up when you are showing the algebra tiles website and write on the board.
Just remember that you may have to make the x- and/or y-values smaller so the
square for you polynomial multiplication won’t be too high to reach on the board.
(5-10 minutes)
10. Take some more time in doing different problems with the Algebra Tiles
manipulatives. Ensure the students that they get the same answer no matter which
way they set-up the problem. Show about 3 problems then have the students do a
couple of problems. Have one student do a problem at the computer with you. (15
minutes)
11. Introduce other websites that show students how to multiply polynomials. For
instance, there are two videos that show students how to do the distributive
property and the FOIL method. (5 minutes)
12. Tell students to finish problems 5 through 10 on the multiplying polynomials
worksheet. Answer any questions. Collect the multiplying polynomials
worksheet. Pass out Multiplying Polynomials Worksheet 2 for homework. (5-15
minutes)
Evaluation: Exit Card
The Multiplying Polynomials Worksheet will be collected at the end of class. The
Multiplying Polynomials Worksheet 2 will be assigned as homework and will be
collected tomorrow at the beginning of class. It will be for a completion grade. I will try
to instruct the students to write in a different color for any answers that I give them at the
beginning of class. I will see what problems students are struggling with the most.
Adaptation
I could bring out the algebra tiles and give students a form of physical representation of
how multiplying polynomials work. I could also spend more time on the website so that
students can see a different view of the concept of multiplying polynomials. I already
kept the problems simple for today’s lesson so that students could understand the concept
first. Tomorrow I will spend 15-20 minutes on harder problems then move on to specials
products and possibly factoring polynomials.