Introduction to Basic Algebra Tools

4th Grading Period

 

 

Chapter 9

Adding, subtracting monomials and polynomials, dividing monomials; determining the degree of a polynomial and re-writing a polynomial descending and ascending order.

 

Difficulties: Students have a hard time understanding the difference between adding and multiplying monomials especially those with exponents higher than 1. Need a solid understanding of what exponents mean.

 

For example:

(2x)to the 3rd power = (2x) (2x) (2x)

 

Students also get confused on what to do with exponents when adding and multiplying:

 

Example:

(X (squared)) (X (squared)) = x to the power of 4, not 2xsquared

 

Also recognizing that x to the fifth power times x to the 3rd power is the same as

(x to the 5th)(x to the 3rd) or that

 

5x(to the 3rd)/x(squared) = 5x(to the 3rd) divided by x(squared)

 

!Reading directions! Everything looks the same. Students have difficulties remembering simple operations and how they are shown.

 

More Glencoe sample problems are available online:

Glencoe Self-Check Quizzes

 

More Glencoe sample problems are available online:

Glencoe Chapter Test, Chapter 9

 

Do you want to take a Douglass Chapter 9 practice test? 

Douglass Chapter Test, Chapter 9

 

 

Chapter 10: Using Factoring

Find the prime factorization of integers, finding the GCF (Greatest Common Factor) for sets of monomials, factor polynomials using GFC factor diamonds and guess & check methods, use the zero-product property to solve equations.

 

Skills:

prime numbers

Factor trees

Multiplication

Knowledge of terminology (what does the word “factor” mean?)

Knowledge of integers and their rules when adding, subtracting, multiplying and dividing.

 

More Glencoe sample problems are available online:

Glencoe Self-Check Quizzes

 

More Glencoe sample problems are available online:

Glencoe Chapter Test, Chapter 10

 

Do you want to take a Douglass Chapter 10 practice test? 

Douglass Chapter Test, Chapter 10