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Rewrite a polynomial expression as a product of polynomials over the real number system.
Standard #: MA.912.AR.1.7
Standard Information
Standard Examples
Example: The expression begin mathsize 12px style 4 x cubed y minus 3 x squared y to the power of 4 end style is equivalent to the factored form begin mathsize 12px style x squared y open parentheses 4 x minus 3 y cubed close parentheses end style.

Example: The expression begin mathsize 12px style 16 x squared minus 9 y squared end style is equivalent to the factored form begin mathsize 12px style open parentheses 4 x minus 3 y close parentheses open parentheses 4 x plus 3 y close parentheses end style.

Standard Clarifications
Clarification 1: Within the Algebra 1 course, polynomial expressions are limited to 4 or fewer terms with integer coefficients.
General Information
Subject Area: Mathematics (B.E.S.T.)
Grade: 912
Strand: Algebraic Reasoning
Date Adopted or Revised: 08/20
Status: State Board Approved
Standard Instructional Guide

Connecting Benchmarks/Horizontal Alignment

 

Terms from the K-12 Glossary

  • Expression  
  • Polynomial

 

Vertical Alignment

Previous Benchmarks

Next Benchmarks

 

Purpose and Instructional Strategies

In grade 8, students rewrote binomial algebraic expressions as a common factor times a binomial. In Algebra I, students rewrite polynomials, up to 4 terms, as a product of polynomials over the real numbers. In later grades, students will rewrite polynomials as a product of polynomials over the real and complex number systems. 
  • Instruction includes special cases such as difference of squares and perfect square trinomials. 
  • Instruction builds upon student prior knowledge of factors, including greatest common factors. 
  • Instruction includes the student understanding that factoring is the inverse of multiplying polynomial expressions. 
  • Instruction includes the use of models, manipulatives and recognizing patterns when factoring. o 
    • Sum-Product Pattern 
      • The expression x2 + 7x + 10 can be written as (x + 5)(x + 2) since 5 + 2 = 7 and 5(2) =  10. 
    • Factor by Grouping 
      • The expression x3+ 7x2+ 2x + 14 can be grouped into two binomials and rewritten as  (x3+ 7x2) + (2x + 14). Each binomial can be factored and rewritten as x2 (x + 7) + 2(x + 7) resulting in  the same factor and the factored form as (x2 + 2)(x + 7) 
    • A-C Method 
      • When factoring trinomials ax2 + bx+ c , multiply a and c, then determine factor pairs of   the  product. Using the factor pair that add to b and multiply to c, rewrite the middle term and  then factor by grouping. 
        • For example, given 2x2 + x − 6  and that ac = −12, one can determine that two numbers that add to 1 and multiple to -12 are 4 and -3. This information can be used to rewrite the given quadratic as 2x2 + 4x − 3x − 6 . Then, using factor by grouping the expression is equivalent to (2x2 + 4x) - (3x + 6)  which is equivalent to 2x(x + 2) − 3(x + 2) which is equivalent to the factored form (2x − 3)(x + 2). 
    • Box Method 
      • To factor ax2 + bx + c  the general box method is shown below.

      • For example, to factor 2x2 - 9x - 5  the box method is shown below. 

             

    • Area Model (Algebra tiles) 
      • The factorization of  2x2 - 9x - 5 using algebra tiles is shown below.

 

Common Misconceptions or Errors

  • Students may not identify the greatest common factor or factor completely.

 

Strategies to Support Tiered Instruction

  • Instruction includes providing a flow chart to reference while completing examples. 
  • Instruction includes providing definition of greatest common factor and strategies for identifying the greatest common factor of numerical or algebraic terms. 
    • For example, the expression 8x3 - 4x2 has common factors of 2 and x, but these are not greatest common factors. The greatest common factor of the coefficients is 4 and the greatest common factor of the variable terms is x2. So, the greatest common factor of the two terms is  4x2. The expression 8x3 - 4x2 can be rewritten as  4x2 (2x -1).

 

Instructional Tasks

Instructional Task 1 (MTR.3.1, MTR.4.1, MTR.5.1
  • Part A. Given the polynomial x4 – 16y4 z8, rewrite it as a product of polynomials. 
  • Part B. Discuss with your partner the strategy used. How do your polynomial factors compare to one another? 

Instructional Task 2 (MTR.3.1, MTR.5.1
  • Part A. What are the factors of the quadratic 16x2  - 48x + 36?
  • Part B. Determine the roots of the quadratic function f(x) = 16x2  - 48x + 36. 
  • Part C. What do you notice about your answers from Part A and Part B? 
  • Part D. Graph the function f(x) = 16x2  - 48x + 36.

 

Instructional Items

Instructional Item 1 
  • Given the polynomial  x4 – 16y4 z8, rewrite it as a product of polynomials. 
Instructional Item 2 
  • Given the polynomial x2  - 10x + 24, rewrite it as a product of polynomials. 
Instructional Item 3 
  • Given the polynomial x3 - 3x- 9x + 27 rewrite it as a product of polynomials. 
Instructional Item 4 
  • What is one of the factors of the polynomial 21r3 s2  - 14 r2s?

 

*The strategies, tasks and items included in the B1G-M are examples and should not be considered comprehensive.

Related Courses
Related Access Points
Related Resources
Formative Assessments
  • Rewriting Numerical Expressions # Students are asked to rewrite numerical expressions to find efficient ways to calculate.
  • Determine the Width # Students are asked to find the width of a rectangle whose area and length are given as polynomials.
  • Quadratic Expressions # Students are asked to identify equivalent quadratic expressions and to name the form in which each expression is written.
  • Finding Missing Values # Students are asked to rewrite quadratic expressions and identify parts of the expressions.
Lesson Plans
  • Solving Quadratic Equations by Completing the square # Students will model the process of completing the square (leading coefficient of 1) with algebra tiles, and then practice solving equations using the completing the square method. This lesson provides a discovery opportunity to conceptually see why the process of squaring half of the b value is considered completing the square.
  • Sorting Equations and Identities # This lesson is intended to help you assess how well students are able to:
    • Recognize the differences between equations and identities.
    • Substitute numbers into algebraic statements in order to test their validity in special cases.
    • Resist common errors when manipulating expressions such as 2(x – 3) = 2x – 3; (x + 3)2 = x2 + 32.
    • Carry out correct algebraic manipulations.
    It also aims to encourage discussion on some common misconceptions about algebra.
  • Matching Trinomials with Area Models_2023 # Matching Trinomials with Area Models_2023
  • Taming the Behavior of Polynomials # This lesson will cover sketching the graphs of polynomials while in factored form without the use of a calculator.
  • Using algebra tiles and tables to factor trinomials (less guess and check!) # This lesson addresses factoring when a = 1 and also when a > 1.  Part 1 (Algebra Tiles) contains examples when a = 1 and a >1. Part 2 (tables) contains only examples when
    a > 1.  In part 1, students will use algebra tiles to visually see how to factor trinomials (a = 1 and a > 1). In part 2, they will use a 3 x 3 table (a > 1). This process makes students more confident when factoring because there is less guess and check involved in solving each problem.
Original Student Tutorials
Perspectives Video: Teaching Ideas
MFAS Formative Assessments
  • Determine the Width # Students are asked to find the width of a rectangle whose area and length are given as polynomials.
  • Finding Missing Values # Students are asked to rewrite quadratic expressions and identify parts of the expressions.
  • Quadratic Expressions # Students are asked to identify equivalent quadratic expressions and to name the form in which each expression is written.
  • Rewriting Numerical Expressions # Students are asked to rewrite numerical expressions to find efficient ways to calculate.
Original Student Tutorials Mathematics - Grades 9-12
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