Scalar Multiplication of Matrices Lesson

Learning Resource Type

Learning Activity

Overview

This learning activity will be used during a lesson on Scalar Multiplication. Students will explore how to multiply a scalar into matrices in order to produce new matrices. The teacher will use the Scalar Multiplication Lesson Practice to cover the “I Do” and “We Do” portions of the lesson to check for lesson objective comprehension. 

Phase

During/Explore/Explain
Mathematics (2019) Grade(s): 09-12 - Precalculus

MA19.PRE.13

Multiply a vector by a scalar.

UP:MA19.PRE.13

Vocabulary

  • Scalar Multiple
  • Scalar Multiplication
  • Scaling Vectors

Knowledge

Students know:
  • The representation of vectors graphically on the xy-plane.

Skills

Students are able to:
  • Find the components of a vector.
  • Find the magnitude and direction of a vector.

Understanding

Students understand that:
  • Scalar multiplication results in a dilation of the original vector where a scalar greater than 1 would increase the magnitude and a scalar from 0 to 1 would decrease the magnitude.
  • A negative scalar would reverse the direction of the vector.
  • The absolute value of the scalar has the resulting effect on the magnitude.

Learning Objectives

Students will be able to multiply matrices by scalars to produce new matrices. 

Activity Details

I Do:

  • The teacher will demonstrate how to multiply a scalar into matrices by showing the Scalar Multiplication of Matrices Lesson video. (The lesson is also available in presentation mode.)
  • Students will observe, take notes, use their math journals or paper, and ask questions.
  • The teacher will have the students turn and talk about any misconceptions they may have at this point in the lesson.

We Do:

  • The teacher will say, "We will now collaborate and discuss various types of scalar multiplication using the 'We Do' section of the Scalar Multiplication Lesson Practice."
  • The teacher will issue whiteboards, pens, and erasers to the class. 
  • The teacher will ask students to work on the “We Do” problems on their whiteboards holding them up as they find each answer for the teacher to check. (This will be used as a formative assessment to see if students understand the lesson.)
  • Important: The teacher will need to verbally discuss any problems and have students explain their thinking to ensure solidification of understanding.

You Do:

  • The teacher will hand out the Scalar Multiplication Lesson Worksheet.
  • The teacher will monitor students as they complete the worksheet.
  • The teacher will remind the students that the worksheet will be graded for accuracy.

Assessment Strategies

  • The teacher will monitor students as they complete the “You Do”  to provide timely feedback to help eliminate any misconceptions.
  • Upon completion, the teacher will take up the completed worksheet and ensure at least 80% mastery of the skill.

Variation Tips

The Scalar Multiplication Lesson Worksheet could be assigned through a digital platform.

Background / Preparation

    • The teacher will need copies of the Scalar Multiplication Lesson Worksheet in advance.
    • The teacher will provide each student with a copy of the worksheet, a whiteboard, a dry erase pen, and an eraser for the “We Do” section.
    • The students will need math journals if used for notes or paper if math journals are not used.
    • The teacher will need Internet access and the required equipment to display the Scalar Multiplication Lesson.
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