Adding and Subtracting Polynomials: Game

Learning Resource Type

Learning Activity

Subject Area

Mathematics

Grade(s)

9, 10, 11, 12

Overview

Math=love is a blog by Sarah Carter who posts lesson ideas and activity ideas on the internet that are free to everyone.

This activity is a game about adding and subtracting polynomials.

This resource was created as a result of the ALEX Resource Development Summit.

Phase

During/Explore/Explain

Mathematics (2019) Grade(s): 09-12 - Algebra I with Probability

MA19.A1.7
Add, subtract, and multiply polynomials, showing that polynomials form a system analogous to the integers, namely, they are closed under the operations of addition, subtraction, and multiplication.

Vocabulary

Polynomials
Closure
Analogous system

Knowledge

Students know:

Corresponding rules of arithmetic of integers, specifically what it means for the integers to be closed under addition, subtraction, and multiplication, and not under division.
Procedures for performing addition, subtraction, and multiplication on polynomials.

Skills

Students are able to:

Communicate the connection between the rules for arithmetic on integers and the corresponding rules for arithmetic on polynomials.
Accurately perform combinations of operations on various polynomials.

Understanding

Students understand that:

There is an operational connection between the arithmetic on integers and the arithmetic on polynomials.

Learning Objectives

Students will add and subtract polynomials.

Activity Details

The teacher will gather students into groups as the teacher sees fit.
The teacher will distribute the game cards, penny, whiteboards, and markers to each group.
The directions to the game will need to be explained using the blog as a reference.
The students will be directed to place the cards face down into three stacks making sure that they are grouped by color.
The students then will turn one card of each color face up to create the first polynomial. Then the students will turn over one card of each color to create the second polynomial.
Next, the students will flip the penny to determine heads or tails. Heads will mean the students would find the sum of the two polynomials. Tails will mean that the students would find the difference.
The students will solve the problems on the whiteboards individually.
After both students have an answer, they will compare their answers. If they both have the same answer, they will move on. If they didn’t get the same answer, they will call the teacher over for help.
The steps will then be repeated for the next problem.

Assessment Strategies

The teacher will assess student content knowledge by walking around the room and observing as the groups add and subtract polynomials.

Variation Tips

A worksheet could be created or the teacher could ask the students to write down the problems and answers. This could then be turned in to help monitor student achievement. This could also be used in the place of the whiteboard and marker if a classroom set isn’t available.

Background / Preparation

The teacher should read over the directions posted on the Math=love Blog.
The teacher will need to print, cut, and laminate (if preferred) the game cards in three different colors of paper. Printing one color for x squared terms, another color for x terms, and a final color for constant terms. Printable Game Cards
The teacher will need to gather a penny for each group.
The teacher will need a mini whiteboard and marker for each student.
Students will need to have prior knowledge of how to add and subtract polynomials.

https://mathequalslove.blogspot.com/2013/01/adding-and-subtracting-polynomials…

Approved Date

2020-07-23

Owner (Author)

kristylacks

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