Multiplying Polynomials

Learning Through Discovery

Topic:
- Multiplying Polynomials

NJCCS:
4.3.12.D2: Evaluate and simplify expressions.
4.5.C6 : Understand how mathematical ideas interconnect and build on one another to
produce a coherent whole.
4.5.E1: Create and use representations to organize, create, and communicate
mathematical ideas.

Materials:
- Guided Discovery Worksheets
- Algebra Tiles
- Poster paper
- Markers
- Timer
- Rulers, scissors, tape, etc.

Objectives:
Level One: Students will be able to multiply polynomials by working in groups and listening
to others.
Level Two: Students will be able to discover their method of multiplying polynomials within
their groups. Students will be able to explain their method to others.
Level Three: Students will be able to discover their method of multiplying polynomials while
working effectively in groups. Students will be able to explain their method to
others in a constructive way. Students will be able to recognize how all of the
methods of multiplying polynomials are connected.

Motivation:

Put the following on the board and give students a total of 10 minutes to complete.

Entrance Quiz
1. (x2 + 5x + 4) – (2x2 + 3x – 4)
2. 2x(6x – 5) + 2(4x – 5)

Have students hand in their quizzes. This quiz will be used for assessment purposes of
yesterday’s lesson of adding and subtracting polynomials and the distributive property.

Procedure:

1. Explain the Jigsaw cooperative learning strategy to the students. Hand out the rubric and
the group member contribution breakdown sheets. Explain the grading and the
 instructions of each group. Stress that creativity will provide up to two points of extra
credit. Students will have the entire block to learn the concept, complete the worksheet,
and create a plan for presentation with necessary resources. Students will present next
class.
2. Split students into the predetermined groups. Explain to them that they are like separate
countries- and there are NO international relations. They must look within their country for
resources and for the roaming CIA (the teacher). Have students put their names and group
number that was assigned on the rubric and hand it in.
3. Have students work in groups. Grade students on their groupwork performance. Monitor
groups to ensure all students are working together and that each member has an active
role in the group.

Closure:

Have students put their desks back and clean up their stations.

Ask students to give you feedback on their methods.

- Did your group have trouble learning the method?
- If you did, in what way?
- What are some of the problems your group encountered?

Have students fill out the Group Member Contribution Breakdown sheet. Be sure to explain that
this will be confidential, so it is important to be honest and thorough.

Homework:

- Worksheet- using the method learned in class.

- Finish up the presentations for next class. Put together resources and a compact
presentation.

Assessment:

Assessment will be done mainly in the next class during the presentations. The group work
worksheets will also provide excellent feedback on the progress of each individual group. Group
progress will be assessed by observation rather than interrogation.
 Multiplying Polynomials
Rubric

Groupwork (5 pts)
Group used time efficiently and effectively . 0 pts 1 pt
Members stayed with their groups and stayed on task. 0 pts 1 pt
Group worked as one cohesive unit. 0 pts 1 pt
Group created a plan for their presentation. 0 pts 1 pt
All members were equally assigned duties and responsibilities. 0 pts 1 pt

Individual (5 pts)
Member completed worksheet. 0 pts 1 pt
(Member should complete by asking for help within their group or
from the teacher, members will be penalized for copying
another members’ work)
Member contributed to the plan for presenting. 0 pts 1 pt
Member participated in presentation. 0 pts 1 pt
Member fulfilled responsibilities assigned by the group. 0 pts 1 pt
Member completed task Group Member Contribution Breakdown. (HW) 0 pts 1 pt

Presentation (10 pts)

Group was well organized. It was clear the group had a plan. 0 pts 1 pt 2 pts
Group supplied a visual aid. 0 pts 1 pt 2 pts
Group supplied questions for the class to work on and/or think about. 0 pts 1 pt 2 pts
Group clearly explained answers to questions asked by the class 0 pts 1 pt 2 pts
and/or the teacher.
Group covered the appropriate material. 0 pts 1 pt 2 pts

Extra Credit: Creativity ( + 2)

Group attempted to incorporate some sense of creativity. 0 pts 1 pt 2 pts

Total: /20
Comments:
 FOIL METHOD
The FOIL Method is a pattern used to multiply two
binomials.

Multiply the First terms of each binomial.

Multiply the Outer terms of each binomial.
Multiply the Inner terms of each binomial.
Multiply the Last terms of each binomial.

F: (x + 3)(x + 2) = x2

O: (x + 3)(x + 2) = +2x

I: (x + 3)(x + 2) = +3x

L: (x + 3)(x + 2) = +6

Product of the
Product of the First
Outer Terms Product of the Product of the Last
Terms Inner Terms Terms

F + O + I + L = x2 + 2x + 3x + 6
Combine like terms to arrive at your answer.

x2 + 2x + 3x + 6

x2 + 5x + 6

Recall:
When are we allowed to multiply two terms?

When are we allowed to combine terms?

Explain why the following expressions are different.

Compare: (x2)(-2x2) and x2 – 2x2
Why can’t we use the FOIL method for the problem:
(6x-1)(x2+3x-1)

Let’s multiply using FOIL together.

(2x2 + 3)(x – 2)
F=
O=
I=
L=

F+O+I+L=

Practice

1. (2x + 5)(-3x + 5) 2. (-4x – 5)(x – 1)

3. (x + 2)(x+5) 4. (2x – 3)(x + 3)

5. (4x + 3)(5x – 1) 6. (-5x – 1)(3x + 1)

 ALGEBRA TILE METHOD

1 -1
x2 x -x2 -x

Recall:
When are we allowed to multiply two terms?

When are we allowed to combine terms?

Explain why the following expressions are different.

Compare: (x2)(-2x2) and x2 – 2x2

To multiply binomials using algebra tiles, place one term at the top of
the grid and the second term on the side of the grid.
(x – 3) (x + 2)

x -3
x 1 1 1

x
x

+2 1
You MUST maintain straight lines when you are filling in the center of
the grid.
x -3
x 1 1 1

x
x

+2
1

Write down all of the tiles in the inner grid.

x2 – 3x + 2x –6

Combine like terms:

x2 – 3x + 2x – 6

= x2 – x – 6
Practice

1. (2x + 5)(-3x + 5) 2. (-4x – 5)(x – 1)

3. (x + 2)(x+5) 4. (2x – 3)(x + 3)

5. (4x + 3)(5x – 1) 6. (-5x – 1)(3x + 1)

 BOX METHOD
To multiply binomials using the BOX Method, place one term at the
top of the grid and the second term on the side of the grid. Separate
the terms into each compartment of the grid.

Multiply (3x – 5)(5x + 2)

3x -5
5x
+2

You then multiply the rows and columns of the grid as you would in a
coordinate system.

3x +6
2x 6x2 12x
+5 5x 30

6x2+5x+12x+30
6x2 + 17x + 30

Finish by combining like terms.

Recall:
When are we allowed to multiply two terms?

When are we allowed to combine terms?

Explain why the following expressions are different.

Compare: (x2)(-2x2) and x2 – 2x2
Practice

7. (2x + 5)(-3x + 5) 8. (-4x – 5)(x – 1)

9. (x + 2)(x+5) 10. (2x – 3)(x + 3)

11. (4x + 3)(5x – 1) 12. (-5x – 1)(3x + 1)

 DISTRIBUTIVE METHOD

The DISTRIBUTIVE METHOD is the method of multiplying

polynomials that utilizes the distributive property.

Distributive Property:
a(b+c) = ab + ac
Ex: -2x(x+1) = -2x2-2x

Let’s try to apply this property when multiplying two polynomials:

(3x-5)(2x+5)

First, split up the first polynomial:

3x -5

Then, multiply each part by the second polynomial (2x+5)

3x(2x+5) + -5(2x+5)

Simplify by distributing.
6x2 + 15x + -10x – 25

Combine Like terms. 6x2 + 5x – 25

Recall:
When are we allowed to multiply two terms?

When are we allowed to combine terms?

Explain why the following expressions are different.

Compare: (x2)(-2x2) and x2 – 2x2
Practice
1. (2x + 5)(-3x + 5) 2. (-4x – 5)(x – 1)

3. (x + 2)(x+5) 4. (2x – 3)(x + 3)

5. (4x + 3)(5x – 1) 6. (-5x – 1)(3x + 1)

Name: Date:

Group Members’ Contribution Breakdown

Directions
Please indicate how each member of the group contributed in today’s activity.

You:
Contribution:

Group Member:
Contribution:

Group Member:
Contribution:

Group Member:
Contribution:

Group Member:
Contribution:

Group Member:
Contribution:
Name: Date:
Algebra 1, Block 4
Homework: Multiplying Polynomials
Homework
Directions:
Solve each problem using the Box, the Distributive, the Algebra Tile, and the FOIL method.

1. (3x + 7) (2x – 1)
Box Method Distributive Method

FOIL Method Algebra Tile

2. (2x – 5)(x - 1)
Box Method Distributive Method

FOIL Method Algebra Tile