Polynomials

Lesson 9

Math

Unit 3

11th Grade

Lesson 9 of 14

Objective


Identify and factor with difference of two squares in quadratic and quartic polynomials. Describe identity of difference of two squares. Describe the zeros that represent the resultant factors.

Common Core Standards


Core Standards

  • A.APR.B.3 — Identify zeros of polynomials when suitable factorizations are available, and use the zeros to construct a rough graph of the function defined by the polynomial.
  • A.SSE.A.2 — Use the structure of an expression to identify ways to rewrite it. For example, see x4 — y4 as (x²)² — (y²)², thus recognizing it as a difference of squares that can be factored as (x² — y²)(x² + y²).

Foundational Standards

  • F.IF.C.8.A

Criteria for Success


  1. Identify the difference of two squares in fourth-degree as well as second-degree polynomials. 
  2. Describe an identity as a rule that always works and may also be known as a factoring pattern. 
  3. Identify all of the major factoring patterns of difference of two squares.
  4. Determine that the sum of two squares will result in a function with complex solutions. 
  5. Identify greatest common factors from polynomials.
Fishtank Plus

Unlock features to optimize your prep time, plan engaging lessons, and monitor student progress.

Anchor Problems

25-30 minutes


Problem 1

Find the zeros of the function$${f(x)=x^3-9x}$$.

Guiding Questions

Create a free account or sign in to access the Guiding Questions for this Anchor Problem.

References

Illustrative Mathematics Solving a Simple Cubic Equation

Solving a Simple Cubic Equation, accessed on Sept. 25, 2017, 2 p.m., is licensed by Illustrative Mathematics under either the CC BY 4.0 or CC BY-NC-SA 4.0. For further information, contact Illustrative Mathematics.

Problem 2

What are all of the linear factors of $${2x^4-162}$$? How would you write this expression in factored form?

Guiding Questions

Create a free account or sign in to access the Guiding Questions for this Anchor Problem.

Problem 3

How are the roots of a sum of two squares, such as $${x^2+9}$$, different from the roots of a difference of two squares?

Guiding Questions

Create a free account or sign in to access the Guiding Questions for this Anchor Problem.

Target Task

5-10 minutes


Problem 1

How do the following problems represent differences of two squares? Factor to show the relationships. 

$${4x^4-1}$$


$${x^{10}-36}$$

Problem 2

Factor the following functions and name all of the real and complex zeros. 

$${18x^4-32}$$

Additional Practice


The following resources include problems and activities aligned to the objective of the lesson that can be used for additional practice or to create your own problem set.

  • Include error analysis problems with factoring polynomials.

Next

Factor difference and sums of cubes. Explain sums and differences of cubes as polynomial identities.

Lesson 10
icon/arrow/right/large

Lesson Map

A7CB09C2-D12F-4F55-80DB-37298FF0A765

Topic A: Polynomial Features and Graphs

Topic B: Operations with Polynomials

Topic C: Polynomial Extensions

Request a Demo

See all of the features of Fishtank in action and begin the conversation about adoption.

Learn more about Fishtank Learning School Adoption.

Contact Information

School Information

What courses are you interested in?

ELA

Math

Are you interested in onboarding professional learning for your teachers and instructional leaders?

Yes

No

Any other information you would like to provide about your school?

We Handle Materials So You Can Focus on Students

We Handle Materials So You Can Focus on Students

We've got you covered with rigorous, relevant, and adaptable math lesson plans for free