Factoring Polynomials

Introduction

Factoring Polynomials?  What is a polynimial and how do you factor it?  Are there different ways to facor polynomials?  These are some of the questions that you may have at this moment, but these questions will be answered at the end of this webquest.  

As you travel through this webquest, you will develop a better understnading of what a polynomial is.   Once you have that understanding you will be able to break larger polynomials into the products of smaller ones.  I have included some resources that you may use but feel free to explore other sites that are on the web to help you gain knowledge on factoring polynomials.  

LET'S GET STARTED!

Task

The learners will:

  • know the different ways to factor polynomials
  • practice factoring online
  • create a presentation that includes vocabualry and teaches other students how to factor polynomials
  • present to the class

Process

Okay Guys! You are on your way to become factoring experts!  Go through each task and it will help you to develop the class presentation.  Everything that you need is here for you. Click on the links provided and it will take you where you need to go.  Again feel free to explore on you own if you need further understanding.

Task #1

Vocablary! As you learn the definition you need to begin preparing your presentation!  Your presentation must include vocabulary.  You may cho0se the format that you use for the presentation.

What is a monomial? 

Math is Fun   http://www.mathisfun.com/definitions.monomial.html

Wikipedia   http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Monomial

Math Dictionary   http://www.icoachmath.com/math-dictionary/monomial.html

All Polynomials  http://www.regentsprep.org/regents/math/algebra/av/smono.htm

What is a binomial?

Math is Fun!  http://www.mathisfn.com/definitions/binomial.html

Math Dictionary  http://www.icoachmath.com/math_dictionary/binomial.html

About.com      http://math.about.com/od/glossaryofterms/g/Whaat-Is-A-Binomial.htm

Dictionary.com  http://dictionary.reference.com/browse/binomial

What is a trinomial?

Math Dictionary  http://www.icoachmath.com/math_dictionary/trinomial.html

Math is Fun!  http://www.mathisfun.com/definitions/trinomial.html

Thinkexist  http://thinkexist.com/dictionary/meaning/trinomial/

Your dictionary  http://www.yourdictionary.com/trinomial

 

What is a polynomial?

Math is Fun!   http://www.mathisfun.com/definitions/polynomial.html

Webster  http://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/polynomial

Purplemath  http://www.purplemath.com/modules/polydefs.htm

Basic Mathematics  http://www.basic-mathematics.com/definitions-of-a-polynomial.html

Task #2

Explore how to factor a trinomial.  You what ever web resources you

have available.  Below are links to videos on factoring.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8_yrM-RVCJ8

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pLzyPlDOIfQ

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gqohYwpih8U

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mFkKOIKj_2k

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IU8qHd1ezMw

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9hSZEzBmG6M

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=q6_oWifXKcQ

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=S3GNmhI0-sU

https://ww.youtube.com/watch?v=Fy9soTRBm74

 

Task #3 

Practice what you have learned about factoring using the following links

http://www.interactmath.com/Exercises.aspx?chapterId=9&sectionId=5&objectiveId=1

http://www.interactmath.com/Exercises.aspx?chapterId=9&sectionId=6&objectiveId=-1

http://www.interactmath.com/Exercises.aspx?chapterId=9&sectionId=7&objectiveId=-1

http://www.interactmath.com/Exercises.aspx?chapterId=9&sectionId=8&objectiveId=-1

Quizzes

http://www.softschools.com/quizzes/algebra/factoring_polynmials_by_graphing/quiz5038.html

http://www.softschools.com/quizzes/algebra/factoring_trinomials_of_the_form_x2_bx_c/quiz5061.html

http://www.softschools.com/quizzes/math/factoring_trinomials_of_the_form_x2_bx_c_where_c_is_negative/quiz5062.html

http://www.softschools.com/quizzes/math/factoring_trinomials_of_the_form_ax2_bx_c_where_a_is_not_1_using_the_acmethod/quiz5368.html

Task #4

Complete your presentation on how to factor polynomials including definitions for vocabulary.

Task #5

Present to the class!

Task #6

Take assessment given by teacher

 

 

Evaluation
Evaluation Rubric
  4 3 2 1 Score
Preparedness (20 points possible) Student is completely prepared and has obviously rehearsed. Student seems pretty prepared but might have needed a couple more rehearsals. The student is somewhat prepared, but it is clear that rehearsal was lacking. Student does not seem at all prepared to present. /20
Collaboration with Peers (20 points possible) Almost always listens to, shares with, and supports the efforts of others in the group. Tries to keep people working well together. Usually listens to, shares with, and supports the efforts of others in the group. Does not cause "waves" in the group. Often listens to, shares with, and supports the efforts of others in the group but sometimes is not a good team member. Rarely listens to, shares with, and supports the efforts of others in the group. Often is not a good team member. /20
Content (40 points possible) Shows a full understanding of the topic. Shows a good understanding of the topic. Shows a good understanding of parts of the topic. Does not seem to understand the topic very well. /40
Speaks Clearly (20 points possible) Speaks clearly and distinctly all (100-95%) the time, and mispronounces no words. Speaks clearly and distinctly all (100-95%) the time, but mispronounces one word. Speaks clearly and distinctly most ( 94-85%) of the time. Mispronounces no more than one word. Often mumbles or can not be understood OR mispronounces more than one word. /20
Total Score: /100
Conclusion

Now that you have completed all of the tasks, you should have accomplished the following...

  • You know the different ways to factor polynomials
  • You watched videos that showed you how to factor
  • You practiced factoring online
  • You completed the presentation that included definitions on vocabulary that involves factoring trinomials
  • You enjoyed exploring factoring polynomials and presenting to the class
Credits

References

Kurt, S. (2012). Issues to consider in designing webquest: a literature review.  Computers in the    Schools, 29, 300-314

Leung, C. B. and Unal, Z. (2013). Advantages and disadvantages of classroom instruction with   webquests: connecting literacy and technology. Journal of Reading Education, 38(2), 31-         37

Unal, Z., Bodur, Y. and Unal, A. (2012). A standardized rubric for evaluating webquest design: reliability analysis of ZUNAL webquest design rubric. Journal of Information Technology Education, 11, 169-180

http://www.interactmath.com

http://www.softschools.com

https://www.youtube.com

http://www.mathisfun.com

http://en.wikipedia.org

http://www.icoachmath.com

http://www.regentsprep.org

 

Teacher Page

This webquest is about factoring polynomials.  The students begin by finding the defintions of the key terms  using online resources.  The students will create a presentation using what they found through their exploration.

This webquest will be done after the students have been introduced to polynomials and the different way tofactor them. 

Objectives and Goals

The students will factor polynomials by grouping, with special cases such as the difference of squares and perfect square trinomials.  

The students will facor using the greatest common factor.

The following goals and objective from the Common Core State Standards are the target of this webquest.

CCSS.MATH.CONTENT.HSA.SSEA.1 Interpret expressions that represent a quantity in terms of its context

CCSS.MATH.CONTENT.HSA.SSEA.2 Use the structure of an expression to identify ways to rewrite it

CCSS.MATH.CONTENT.HSA.SSEA.3 Choose a nd produce an equivalent form of an expression to reveal and explain properties of the quantity represented by the expression

Essential Questions

How can symplifying and facotoring Polynmials help solve real world problems?

How can polynomials be simplified and applied to solve problems?

Time required

3.5- 90 minute periods or 5-60 minute periods

Materials Needed/Technology

  • Computer for each student
  • Internet Access
  • This Webquest