Working With Algebra Tiles

(Grade 9 projects) The members of the group are: R A A (ID; 739) A M (ID; 1737) F A (ID; 778)

Section: 53 Math Teacher: Mrs. Inass Ibrahim

Algebra tiles Introduction:

Students will investigate the factorization of x2+bx+c and ax2+bx+c. It is the intent of the project to develop the students insight into the trinomial factorization process. Here x2+bx+c, where a, b, and c denote constant values and the x term signifies the unknown variable, often can be factored into the product of two terms. Students will use algebra tiles to identify the binomial factors. This sets the stage for the students to later learn how to solve polynomial equations and explore relationships between the trinomial x2 + bx + c and its factored form (x + m)(x + n).
Learning Objectives:

1) Factor trinomials of the form x2+ bx + c into two binomial factors. 2) Identify the relationships that exist between b, c, m, and n when x2 + bx + c is factored as (x + m)(x + n). 3) Generalize the process for factoring trinomials of the form: x2 - bx + c, x2 - bx - c where b and c are positive integers.

Task 1
Navigate the web to search about the definition of the word "factor and the use of algebra tiles to factor trinomials. (Factoring) Is the process of breaking down algebraic equation and expression into factors, which when multiplied together give the original. For example, the number 15 factors into primes as 3 5, and the polynomial x2 4 factors as (x 2)(x + 2). In all cases, a product of simpler objects is obtained. (Uses of algebra tiles) We use algebra tiles to identify the binomial factors and we will later learn how to solve polynomial equations and explore relation ship between the trinomial and it factored form. Access the Algebra Tiles (Appendix I) and work on the problems below. Example of factoring trinomials by using Algebra Tiles from the site http://courses.w ccnet.edu/~rwh atcher/VAT/Fact oring/Factoring/ Level One.html

Continue Task 1 Model the following quadratic trinomials using Algebra Tiles (Appendix I), and then write the binomial factors to the right.

Polynomials: X2+bx+c X2+2X+1 X2+3X+2 X2+7X+6 X2+5X+6 X2+5X+4 2X2+3X+1 2X2+7X+3 3X2+7X+2 4X2+8X+3

Factors:(x + m)(x + n) (X+1)(X+1) (X+2)(X+1) (X+6)(X+1) (X+3)(X+2) (X+4)(X+1) (X+1)(2X+1) (X+3)(2X+1) (X+2)(3X+1) (2X+1)(2X+3)

Task 2
Design and present solid colored model on one of the above examples.

Continue Task 2 Generalize the process for factoring trinomials of the form: x2 + bx + c where b and c are positive integers.

To factor a trinomial in the form x2 + bx + c we find two integers, m and p , with a sum of b and a product of c. Then write x2 + bx + c as (x+m)(x+p). x2 + bx + c = (x+m)(x+p) when m+p = b and mp= c e.g. x2 +6x + 8 = (x+2)(x+4), because 2+4=6 and (2)(4)= 8.
By relating factoring a quadratic trinomial to an area model.

Note that tiles should not be placed on top of other tiles, adding that the pieces must be used to create a rectangle. And thats why the dimensions of the rectangle are the factors of the trinomial. We can create two rectangles that look different but are actually congruent because (x + 1)(x + 2) is the same factorization as (x + 2)(x + 1) by virtue of the commutative property of multiplication. So we must arrange all the tiles to form a rectangle with the area x2 + 5x + 6. ((You should be reminded that you are working with an area model and that by placing additional x tiles, they are adding area to the x2 tile.)) @What are the dimensions of the rectangle? Answer: The dimensions are (x + 3) by (x + 2).

Multiply the dimensions you found for the rectangle to prove that x2 + 5x + 6 is the area of the rectangle.

Answer: (x+3)(x+2)= x2 + 3x + 2x + 6 = x2 + 5 + 6 @How do the dimensions of the rectangle relate to the numbers 5 and 6?

Answer: 2 + 3 = 5 and 2 3 = 6.
6

Task 3
Generalize the process for factoring trinomials of the form: x2- bx + c , x2- bx - c where b and c are positive integers.

When c is positive, its factors have the same signs. Both of the factors are positive or negative base upon the sigh of b. If b is positive, the factors are positive. If b is negative, the factors are negative. When c is negative, its factors are opposite signs. To determine which factor in positive and which is negative, look at the sign of b. The factor with the greater absolute value has the same sigh as b.
Provide six examples on the above two forms.( 3 examples on each form).

Process For Factoring Trinomials.

X2- bx+ c = (x-m)(x-p) Example: - 1) 4x2 13x +10 (4x - 5)(x - 2) 2) 3g2 7g + 2 (3g - 1)(g - 2) 3) 2t2 11t + 15 (2t - 5)(t - 3)

X2- bx- c = (x-m)(x+p) Example: - 1) 2x2 3x -9 (2x + 3)(x - 3) 2) 2x2 x - 1 (2x + 1)(x - 1) 3) 3x2 11x + 20 (3x + 4)(x - 5)

In conclusion
Many people believe that algebra tiles are new in mathematics instruction, however, algebra tiles have been used in classrooms since the mid 1980s. Since then, algebra tiles have gained popularity in teaching circles and are regularly presented in conjunction with traditional methods in most textbooks. Unlike a calculator or an answer key, which does the thinking for you, algebra tiles are a tool that can guide the learner towards a greater understanding of the concepts involved with a particular skill. Studies show that over 80% of students are visual learners rather than auditory learners. Therefore, it makes sense that the majority of students benefit from a visual, concrete representation of abstract algebraic concepts. Algebra tiles do just this ?they allow students to match a concept to a tile versus trying to imagine everything in their minds. So as a student I believe that the Algebra Tiles are so useful and especially for whom are weak in calculations. And in the end I would like to thank my math teacher, Ms. Inass Ibrahim for giving me the opportunity in doing a project in my favorite lesson. So thanks A lot !

Best Whishes, Al- Ain Female campus 9.53