Algebra 1 8-1 Primer: Adding Polynomials With Tiles
By Matt Richardson
Last updated about 2 years ago
6 Questions
Note from the author:
A polynomial addition primer activity with virtual algebra tiles.
Click here to create a copy of a Google Drawings algebra tiles. Use the drawing to complete the items below.
Onboarding:
The rectangles (aka algebra tiles) on the left of the drawing are positive. Those on the right are negative.
The large white area on the canvas in the center of the drawing is called the stage.
You may need to create duplicates of certain tiles in order to complete this activity. To do so, select a tile and copy then paste. The copy should appear on top of and slightly offset from the original tile.
10
1.
Getting Started: Follow the steps below to model the polynomial expression.
1. Create 2 new green x rectangles and drag them to the top left of the stage. Make sure that both tiles are visible.
2. Create 3 new yellow 1 squares and drag them onto the stage next to the 2 x rectangles you added during step 1.
3. Make sure that your stage only contains these 5 tiles and that they are neatly grouped near the top of the stage.
Congratulations! You have represented the polynomial expression 2x + 3 with virtual algebra tiles!
4. Take a screenshot of your stage and upload it to the Formative canvas.
10
2.
An Additional Expression:
1. Leave your existing tiles in place on the top half of the stage and use your understanding to add a model of the following polynomial expression to the bottom half of your stage.
Congratulations! You have represented the polynomial expressions 2x + 3 and 3x + 1 with virtual algebra tiles!
2. Take a screenshot of your stage and upload it to the Formative canvas.
10
3.
Summing Up: Next, you will model the addition of the two polynomial expressions.
1. Your stage should now contain two groups of tiles. Merge them into one group on the center of the stage.
2. Organize this new group so that x tiles are grouped together and 1 tiles are grouped together.
Congratulations! You have represented adding the polynomial expressions 2x + 3 and 3x + 1 with virtual algebra tiles!
3. Take a screenshot of your stage and upload it to the Formative canvas.
10
4.
Tile model to expression: What polynomial expression is represented on your stage after completing Formative item 3? Enter only the expression in standard form with a space on each side of the operation symbol.
10
5.
Extension:
1. Clear your stage by dragging all tiles completely off the white space.
2. Model the two polynomial expressions above on your stage.
3. Screenshot your stage and models and upload it to the top section of the Formative canvas.
4. Represent the addition of the polynomial expressions by organizing them into one group.
5. Screenshot your stage and model and upload it to the bottom section of the Formative canvas.
10
6.
Challenge:
1. Clear your stage by dragging all tiles completely off the white space.
2. Model the two polynomial expressions above on your stage.
3. Screenshot your stage and models and upload it to the top section of the Formative canvas.
4. Represent the addition of the polynomial expressions by organizing them into one group.
5. Simplify your "tile pile" by pairing up tiles that have a sum of 0 and dragging them off-stage.
6. Screenshot your model and upload it to the bottom section of the Formative canvas. Make sure your screenshot includes the zero pairs that were dragged off-stage.