Illustrative Mathematics
Placing a Square Root on the Number Line
There are many ways to approach finding the rational approximation of an unknown square root. Here is a problem that will help math learners make a connection between square roots and their order on a number line. As usual, determine two...
Illustrative Mathematics
Slopes and Circles
An upper-level treatment of what is often presented as a basic concept (the right angle of an inscribed circle on the diameter), this activity really elevates the mathematical thought of the learner! Expected to develop formulas...
5280 Math
Multiplication Table Algebra
Patterns, patterns, everywhere! Young scholars examine the multiplication table to identify patterns. Their exploration leads to an understanding of the difference of squares and sum of cubes by the completion of the algebra project.
Illustrative Mathematics
Springboard Dive
Dive into this problem that illustrates a real-world application of the quadratic formula. Learners are given an equation that represents the height of a diver above the water t seconds after leaving the springboard. The task is to...
Illustrative Mathematics
Comparing Rational and Irrational Number
Algebra learners must know how to use rational numbers to approximate irrationals. This resource asks participants to decide which number is larger without using a calculator. It makes a great exercise to use as a five-minute transition...
Curated OER
Braking Distance
This real-life model of braking distance motivates learners to approach quadratic equations algebraically, numerically, graphically, and descriptively.
Illustrative Mathematics
Transforming the graph of a function
This activity guides learners through an exploration of common transformations of the graph of a function. Given the graph of a function f(x), students generate the graphs of f(x + c), f(x) + c, and cf(x) for...
Illustrative Mathematics
Equal Area Triangles on the Same Base II
A deceptively simple question setup leads to a number of attack methods and a surprisingly sophisticated solution set in this open-ended problem. Young geometers of different strengths can go about defining the solutions graphically,...
5280 Math
Polygon Polynomials
Patterns in polygons lead to patterns in polynomials. Presented with a series of polygons, individuals create polynomial expressions to represent their patterns. The algebra project consists of nine problems that incorporate polynomial...
Illustrative Mathematics
Telling a Story With Graphs
Turn your algebra learners into meteorologists. Students are given three graphs that contain information about the weather in Santa Rosa, California during the month of February, 2012. Graph one shows temperatures, graph two displays the...
Illustrative Mathematics
Which Function?
Learners are given a graph of a parabola on a coordinate system, but intercepts and vertex are not labeled. The task is to analyze eight given quadratic functions and determine which ones might possibly be represented by the graph. The...
Curated OER
Math Challenges
Students engage their critical thinking skills to solve challenging math problems. In these problem solving lessons, student work with tessellations, weights/measurement, reasoning, surface area, geometric shapes, and algebraic procedures.
Curated OER
House Project
Make young mathematicians' dreams a reality with this fun drawing project. Given the task of designing their dream home, students create drawings and physical models that demonstrate their understanding of proportion and scale.
Howard County Schools
Building a Playground
Scholars crave practical application. Let them use the different models of a quadratic function to plan the size and shape of a school playground. They convert between the different forms and maximize area.
Cool Math
Coolmath: Graphing by Completing the Square Freaky Things That Can Happen
This algebra lesson shows how to deal with different types of things that can happen when you are completing the square.
Cool Math
Coolmath: Completing the Square 2 Exercises
This Algebra Cruncher generates an endless number of practice problems for completing the square with solutions.
Cool Math
Coolmath: Graphing by Completing the Square Intro
This algebra lesson introduces how to complete the square in a parabola.
Cool Math
Coolmath: Graphing by Completing the Square How
Explore and understand graphing by completing the square.
Varsity Tutors
Varsity Tutors: Hotmath: Algebra Review: Complete the Square
Find a quick, concise explanation of how to complete the square. An example is given and explained to illustrate the method.
Help Algebra
Help algebra.com: Completing the Square
The process of completing the square is presented with a detailed description of the process and an example to show the work step by step. An example with a non-integer leading coefficient is also included.
Math Medics
S.o.s. Math: Algebra
This lesson provides basic instruction on the major concepts in algebra. Content includes a focus on fractions, units of conversion, complex numbers, quadratic equations, factorization and roots of polynomials, solving equations, systems...
Math Is Fun
Math Is Fun: Completing the Square
The learning resource investigates how to complete the square. Students learn about the algebra concept by exploring definitions and examples. A link to practice problems is included.
Wyzant
Wyzant: Completing the Square Calculator
The learning tool is a calculator that solves equations by completing the square. An example and quick-start guide is available.
Help Algebra
Help algebra.com: Factoring Polynomials
Several types of factoring are covered in this article, including common factors, grouping, special factors, and completing the square. The examples include detailed explanations of the factoring process.