Multiplying Binomials Lesson Plan (Access Version)
Multiplying Binomials Lesson Plan (Access Version)
LESSON OVERVIEW
Overview: This is a lesson introducing multiplying binomials, along with an extremely important follow-up lesson that connects the patterns students noticed in
the initial lesson to the procedures commonly used to multiply binomials, the box or square method and FOIL.
In the getting started section, students access their prior knowledge about using the area model to represent multiplication of whole numbers and the
distributive property.
In Investigation 1 students use Algebra Tiles to multiply a constant and a binomial.
Investigation 2 builds on the work in Investigation 1 by asking students to use Algebra Tiles to multiply two binomials and to notice and apply the patterns that
result. Students are also asked to reverse their thinking by writing the trinominal and the two factors represented by a given algebra tile model. This provides a
good setup to factoring. Students then apply the patterns they developed in the task to multiply binomials with larger positive coefficients and negative coefficients
and/or subtraction. Finally, students explain how the distributive property is used to multiply binominals.
One of the risks in using Algebra Tiles (or any manipulative) is in complicating the model beyond the understanding of the actual mathematics involved. This
lesson focuses exclusively on modeling multiplying binomials with positive coefficients and involving addition. The patterns that the students develop from
modeling these problems can then be applied to binomials with negative coefficients and/or subtraction. These connections are made explicit through class
discussion of the open-ended questions.
CA Standards Addressed:
Algebra 10.0 - Students add, subtract, multiply and divide monomials and polynomials. Students solve multi-step problems, including word problems, by using
these techniques.
Unit 4 Concept: Understand monomials and polynomials and perform operations on them (including factoring) and apply to solutions of quadratic equations.
Perform arithmetic operations on and with polynomials
Factor 2nd and 3rd degree polynomials over the integers
Use the zero-product rule and factoring as well as completing the square to solve simple quadratics
Solve application problems using the above techniques
Mathematical Goals of the Lesson:
Connect the area representation for multiplication of whole numbers and the distributive property to the area representation for multiplying binomials
Develop an understanding of the procedures associated with binomial multiplication
Develop an understanding of the affect of coefficients and operations within the binomials on the resulting products
Develop patterns for finding the product of any two binomials
Reason mathematically and use and make connections among a variety of mathematical representations and procedures.
Access Strategies: Throughout the document you will see icons calling out use of the access strategies for English Learners, Standard English Learners, and
Students With Disabilities.
Access Strategy
Cooperative and Communal Learning
Environments
Instructional Conversations
Icon
Description
Supportive learning environments that motivate students to engage
more with learning and that promote language acquisition through
meaningful interactions and positive learning experiences to achieve
an instructional goal. Working collaboratively in small groups, students
learn faster and more efficiently, have greater retention of concepts,
and feel positive about their learning.
Discussion-based lessons carried out with the assistance of more
competent others who help students arrive at a deeper understanding
of academic content. ICs provide opportunities for students to use
language in interactions that promote analysis, reflection, and critical
thinking. These classroom interactions create opportunities for
students conceptual and linguistic development by making
connections between academic content, students prior knowledge,
and cultural experiences
The teaching of specialized language, vocabulary, grammar,
structures, patterns, and features that occur with high frequency in
academic texts and discourse. ALD builds on the conceptual
knowledge and vocabulary students bring from their home and
community environments. Academic language proficiency is a
prerequisite skill that aids comprehension and prepares students to
effectively communicate in different academic areas.
Visual tools and representations of information that show the structure
of concepts and the relationships between ideas to support critical
thinking processes. Their effective use promotes active learning that
helps students construct knowledge, organize thinking, visualize
abstract concepts, and gain a clearer understanding of instructional
material.
Academic Language:
Materials:
Follow-Up Lessons:
Task
Graph paper
Plain paper to record
Procedures for
Binomial
Trinomial
Polynomial
Factor
Product
Constant
Coefficients
Distributive Property
Model
Counter-Example (see p. 12)
Terms
Conjecture
Multiplying
Binomials,
FOIL and box
methods, and how
they relate to using
algebra tiles
Special products,
i.e., squaring
binomials and the
difference of two
squares.
Key:
Suggested teacher questions are shown in bold print.
Questions and strategies that support ELs are underlined and identified by an asterisk.
Possible student responses are shown in italics
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models. The two most likely are an area model (rectangle 6 x 13) and a set model (6 groups of 13 or 13 groups of 6)
Debrief models with the entire class, clearly identifying the two factors in each model.
Ask students to create a model for 6(10+3) that clearly shows the 6, 10 and 3. (Emphasize that characteristic).
Students can modify their existing model, or create a new one. Be sure that students are clearly representing the 6, 10
and 3 in their new models.
Debrief these models with the entire class, clearly identifying the factors and products. Compare models and discuss
which ones make all three numbers (6, 10 and 3) the most visible.
Question #6 is the opportunity to review the distributive property. Be sure to make explicit how both sides of the equation
are represented in models.
From this discussion, the area model (i.e., forming a rectangle with the factors as sides) should emerge as the
appropriate model; i.e., the one that most clearly represents the property.
Now we will use what we know about whole number multiplication models to multiply binomials.
Ask a student to read Investigation 1 out loud as others follow along.
Ask several students to explain what they think they are being asked to do*. Be sure to review the Algebra Tiles, i.e., what
the different pieces represent.
Before beginning Investigation 1, students should realize the value of using the area model to represent multiplication
because the Algebra tiles represent the areas x2, x and 1. Please make this clear if it did not come out in the previous
discussion.
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Reinforce appropriate language as students communicate their ideas (e.g., re-voice a students contribution in complete,
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Students work in small groups to develop algebra tile models of polynomial multiplication
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SMALL-GROUP WORK
After about 5-10 minutes, ask students to work with their partner or in their small groups to discuss what they discovered
about each tile model. Alternatively, have a whole-class discussion if needed. The outcome of the small-group/class
discussion should be that students understand how to create correct algebra tile modelsi.e., form rectangles, with
pieces clearly aligned, properly label their diagrams, and express the product as a trinomial.
After the small-group/class discussion, students work on the other questions in the investigation (Investigation 1: #3 - #6;
Investigation 2: #3 #8).
As students are working, circulate around the room.
o Be sure that students create correct modelsi.e., pieces are aligned, sketches labeled correctly, etc., so that they can
use their sketches to look for patterns.
o Be persistent in asking questions related to the mathematical ideas, exploration strategies, and connections between
representations (possible questions are indicated in the following pages).
o Be persistent in asking students to explain their thinking and reasoning.
o Be persistent in asking students to explain, in their own words, what other students have said.
o Be persistent in asking students to use appropriate mathematical language.
o In particular, be sure that the open-ended questions (i.e., Investigation 1: #5 and Investigation 2: #7, #8 and #9) are
addressed with sufficient mathematical reasoning and that students clearly communicate their ideas in words,
pictures, diagrams, etc.
What do I do if students have difficulty getting started?
Investigation 1: 6(x + 3) Ask: How can you represent the x? The x + 3? What does 6(x + 3) mean? How could you
show that with the tiles?
Investigation 2: Similar set of questions . . .
What do I do if students finish early?
Look at students work (products, sketches, etc.) and be sure that they have adequately represented their reasoning.
Groups that complete Investigation 1 can go on to Investigation 2.
Early finishers could be asked to sketch their models on transparencies or chart paper for use in class discussion.
(Having the early finishers sketch their models is appropriate in this lesson because little variation is expected in the
models that will be created.)
Students use realia to develop their own understanding of the academic vocabulary terms in context
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Phase
With your partner, use algebra tiles to create a model for 6(x + 3) and sketch your model.
With your partner explain to another pair how your model represents 6(x + 3)
What is the product of 6(x + 3)?
What are the factors of 6(x + 3)?
How does your model show the factors and product of 6(x + 3)?
How could you use algebra tiles to represent the product of 15(x + 4)?
Possible Solutions
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Possible Questions
Misconceptions/
Errors
Representing the
Questions to Address
Misconceptions/Errors
Thinking that
changing the
orientation changes
the product. 1
Suggestions:
Technically, the first factor represents the number of rows and the second factor, the length of each row. However, for purposes of these investigations,
orientation does not matter. Students should make whatever rectangle makes sense to them.
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Sequencing of Student
Work
Order of discussion:
Rationale and
Mathematical Ideas
Phase
Possible Solutions
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Possible Questions
Ask questions such as:
Questions to Address
Misconceptions/Errors
Representing the
Suggestions:
Misconceptions/
Errors
models we used in
Investigation 1. What did the
model look like when the
binomial was a row? A
column?
model? Where is the
product? How can you
represent this product
algebraically?
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Phase
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3x
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45x2
36x
150x
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Possible Questions
Misconceptions/
Errors
Questions to Address
Misconceptions/Errors
See discussion of
Questions #1#5
and the Sharing,
Discussing, and
Analyzing
discussion for #6
#8.
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Sequencing of Student
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Rationale and
Mathematical Ideas
Order of discussion:
Class discussion starts with #3.
(#1 and #2 should have been
addressed during the Explore
phase.)
#3. Have a different group
present their solution to a, b, and
c. Students should:
What factors did you multiply to get x2? To get 3x? To get 2x?
To get 6?
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Phase
Sequencing of Student
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Rationale and
Mathematical Ideas
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How did you determine the factors? How are the factors shown
in the diagram?
How is the trinomial related to the diagram? Where are the three
terms shown?
The blue shows the x2 term, the green shows the x term, and
the yellow shows the units.
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There are three terms in the product, but the diagram shows four
areas. How is this possible?
We put the greens together because they are both x terms.
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The purpose of this sharing/discussing is to make explicit the conclusions from Investigation 2.
Phase
Sequencing of Student
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Order of discussion:
Whole-class discussion of each
question.
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Rationale and
Mathematical Ideas
How did you find the product without using algebra tiles?
Answers will vary. Different patterns will be used.
How did your work with the tiles help you solve the problem?
Answers will vary.
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45x2
36x
150x
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CLOSURE
Have students reflect on the mathematics of the lesson; find links to math that they have explored before; think of tasks that might be
related to the big ideas of the lesson. In particular, have students reflect on how the algebra tile models helped them create a meaningful
procedure that they can use to multiply binomials.
It is important for students to step back and reflect on the ideas that surfaced and to situate their learning within past experiences, and to
think forward to ways that they might build on these ideas in future tasks. This helps them to focus on the interconnectedness of
mathematical ideas.
These connections are particularly important when students are learning new procedures. Traditionally, procedures like multiplying
binomials have been taught rotely, with few, if any connections to the underlying mathematics or to other, related procedures. By
developing the underlying rationale for the procedures through connections to the mathematics, to other representations, and other
procedures (e.g., multiplying whole numbers), students are better able to remember the procedure, apply it to new situations, and recreate
it if they forget it. In this case, students will be better prepared to reverse the procedure to factor polynomials and multiply other
polynomials.
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