Students sometimes think algebra and geometry are two static, unrelated subjects that were "invented" by some historical figure and appear in books but have no redeeming value or purpose. One way to make these topics more meaningful and less mysterious is to look at the words themselves and establish a relationship between algebra and geometry. By using squares geometrically as well as numerically to show the concepts of multiplication, teachers can move on to the main activity. Through the use of Algebra Tiles, more meaning can be generated for multiplying binomials and algebraic factoring. Other objectives include showing a variety of algebraic expressions factored using geometric representations, asking the students to form a square or rectangle using the algebra tiles that shows (a - b)(a + b)= a^2 – b^2, asking the students to form a square or rectangle using the algebra tiles that shows (a - b)(a - b) or (a - b)^2=a^2- 2ab - b^2, and several others.
First Posted: 8/31/2003
Last Submitted: 9/1/2003 11:51:01 PM
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Homesite Description - This resource is contained in the following Web site
Suzanne's Math Lessons
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Suzanne Alejandre, a middle grades teacher and a Math Forum teacher associate, developed this selection of lesson plans for grades 6-8. It is housed on the Math Forum Web site.
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http://mathforum.org/alejandre/index.html
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