Factoring Quadratic Expressions with Algebra Tiles

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Skill:

Factor quadratic polynomials, including special products.

Factoring Quadratic Expressions with Algebra Tiles

Explore how quadratic expressions are represented and factored using algebra tiles.

Putting It All Together

Answer these open ended questions on your own or with others to form deeper math connections.

Open-ended question 1

What do each of the different types of algebra tiles represent in the quadratic expression?

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Open-ended question 2

Explain how the number of each type of algebra tile relates to the quadratic expression.

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Open-ended question 3

Explain how the dimensions of the rectangle formed by the algebra tiles relate to the binomial factors.

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Open-ended question 4

Is there more than one way to factor a quadratic trinomial? Why or why not?

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Open-ended question 5

Expressions like  and are called perfect square trinomials. Why do you think they are called that?

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Open-ended question 6

What do you notice about the factors of perfect square trinomials?

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Open-ended question 7

Can a constant of a perfect square trinomial ever be negative? Why or why not?

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