Multiplying Polynomials Using The Box Method

I finally got to innovate my Algebra ii students to the box method. I've been waiting impatiently for this since August. I used the box method lastly twelvemonth amongst my Algebra ii students to multiply in addition to split upwardly polynomials. Some of them are taking pre-calculus this year, in addition to they came dorsum to tell me that they had taught the method to to a greater extent than or less of their classmates! As before long equally I heard how excited they were almost having done that, it simply made me actually excited to instruct this year's grouping of students the magic that is the BOX.

I typed out the notes. This is a first. Usually, I simply demonstrate my students how to produce it. But, I produce recognize the importance of them having something to await dorsum on if they forget the process.

This was a start crusade at writing out the steps. I'm certain these volition morph in addition to grow over the years similar the residue of my notes do!

Then, nosotros did to a greater extent than or less exercise problems together.

I had them banking concern notation the flat of each polynomial to run into if it has whatsoever 0 damage inwards it that need to live taken into account. At the multiplying stage, you lot tin move out out the zeros, in addition to everything volition function simply fine. But, the similar damage won't ever live on the diagonals. Plus, having the zeros is essential when using the box method to divide. So, I desire my students to brand it the habit of including the zeros now.
I mean value the minute when my students actually started buying into this method was when nosotros color-coded the diagonals in addition to saw the similar terms. If all the damage inwards a diagonal are non similar terms, nosotros know nosotros made a error somewhere!

One pupil raised his mitt to nation he liked this method a lot improve than the means a previous instructor taught him amongst drawing arrows all over the place. That's the means I was taught, in addition to it worked simply fine for me. But I've seen students forget to distribute a term to every other term in addition to therefore many times. Drawing the boxes (if drawn correctly) shows students simply how many times they get got to multiply.

They frequently learn frustrated trying to figure out where the null rows/columns go. But, they definitely learn a feel of satisfaction when they learn to create total inwards that whole row or column amongst zeros!

Here's what the problems cease upwardly looking similar when nosotros function them out on the SMART Board. My boxes were a chip wonky, in addition to it definitely showed when I used the highlighter tool...

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