What does it mean to factor the difference of two squares? The interactive presents an area model of the difference of two squares. Pupils rearrange the model to create a rectangular area. The learners determine the length and width factors of the rectangular area.

Concepts

factoring, factoring quadratics, difference of squares, algebra tiles, area, area model

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Additional Tags

math

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Instructional Ideas

• Use specific numbers for a and b to verify the products
• Develop several differences of two squares for the class to factor

Classroom Considerations

• Requires signing up for a free account to access the interactive

Pros

• Supplemental materials contain sample problems
• The interactive shows the correct answer if students select the wrong one

Cons

• None

Common Core

HSA-SSE.B.3.a