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Clarifications
Clarification 1: Instruction includes an understanding that when any of these operations are performed with polynomials the result is also a polynomial.Clarification 2: Within the Algebra 1 course, polynomial expressions are limited to 3 or fewer terms.
Benchmark Instructional Guide
Connecting Benchmarks/Horizontal Alignment
Terms from the K-12 Glossary
- Polynomial
Vertical Alignment
Previous Benchmarks
Next Benchmarks
Purpose and Instructional Strategies
In middles grades, students added, subtracted and multiplied linear expressions. In Algebra I, students perform operations on polynomials limited to 3 or fewer terms. In later courses, students will perform operations on all polynomials.- Instruction includes making the connection to dividing a polynomial by a monomial and the understanding that division does not have closure.
- Reinforce like terms during instruction (using different colors can be a strategy to help identify them as unique from one another).
- Instruction includes the use of manipulatives, like algebra tiles, and various strategies,
like the area model, properties of exponents and the distributive property.
- Area model
- The expression (22 + 1.5 + 6)(3 + 4.2) is equivalent to 63 + 12.92 + 24.3 + 25.2 and can be modeled below.
- Instruction should not rely upon the use of tricks or acronyms, like FOIL.
- Although within the Algebra I course, polynomial expressions are limited to 3 or fewer terms, this restriction only refers to the expressions given to the student, not the expression after the operation applied.
Common Misconceptions or Errors
- Students may not understand the meaning of closure or the operations it applies to with polynomials.
- Students may not understand like terms or the properties of exponents.
Strategies to Support Tiered Instruction
- Instruction includes the use of shapes or colors to demonstrate like terms. Teacher must
ensure that students understand that the sign in front of the terms are key when
combining like terms.
- For example, different colors can be used when adding the polynomials shown below.
- Teacher provides examples showing that polynomials are closed under the operations of
addition, subtraction and multiplication, but not under division.
- For example, when subtracting or multiplying polynomials (as shown below), the
result is always a polynomial. 7 + 5 − (3 + 8) = 4 − 3
(7 + 5)(3 + 8) = 21² + 71 + 40
- For example, when subtracting or multiplying polynomials (as shown below), the
result is always a polynomial.
- For example, when dividing polynomials (as shown below), the result may or may
not be a polynomial.
Instructional Tasks
Instructional Task 1 (MTR.3.1, MTR.4.1)
- Part A. Determine the sum of 32 − 2 +5 and 2 + 7 + . Explain the method used in determining the sum.
- Part B. Discuss whether the addition of polynomials will always result in another polynomial. Why or why not?
- Part C. Determine the difference of 33 − 22 + 5 and 2 – 0.25 + 1.24. Explain the method used in determining the difference.
- Part D. Discuss whether the subtraction of polynomials will always result in another polynomial. Why or why not?
- Part E. Determine the product of 2 + 5 and 2 − + 1. Explain the method used in determining the product.
- Part F. Discuss whether the multiplication of polynomials will always result in another polynomial. Why or why not?
- Part G. Determine the quotient of 92 – 3 + 12 and 3. Explain the method used in determining the quotient.
- Part H. Discuss whether the division of polynomials will always result in another polynomial. Why or why not?
Instructional Items
Instructional Item 1- Determine the sum of the expression (3 − ) + (− 2 + + ).
Instructional Item 2
- Determine the value of the ² term when the expression (2 + − ) is multiplied by ( −).
Instructional Item 3
- Determine the difference of the expression (−0.4 + 0.52 +2) − (0.6 +2 + 0.5).
*The strategies, tasks and items included in the B1G-M are examples and should not be considered comprehensive.
Related Courses
Related Access Points
Related Resources
Formative Assessments
Lesson Plans
Original Student Tutorials
Perspectives Video: Teaching Ideas
STEM Lessons - Model Eliciting Activity
In this Model Eliciting Activity, MEA, students will rank sports players by designing methods, using different indicators, and working with quadratic equations.
Model-Eliciting-Activities, MEAs, allow students to critically analyze data sets, compare information, and require students to explain their thinking and reasoning. While there is no one correct answer in an MEA, students should work to explain their thinking clearly and rationally. Therefore, teachers should ask probing questions and provide feedback to help students develop a coherent, data-as-evidence-based approach within this learning experience.
MFAS Formative Assessments
Students are asked to find the sum of two polynomials and explain if the sum of polynomials always results in a polynomial.
Students are asked to multiply polynomials and explain if the product of polynomials always results in a polynomial.
Students are asked to multiply polynomials and explain if the product of two polynomials always results in a polynomial.
Students are asked to find the difference of two polynomials and explain if the difference of polynomials will always result in a polynomial.
Original Student Tutorials Mathematics - Grades 9-12
Learn to use algebra tiles to model adding polynomial expressions with this interactive tutorial.
Learn how to factor polynomials by finding their greatest common factor in this interactive tutorial.
Learn how to add and subtract polynomials in this online tutorial. You will learn how to combine like terms and then use the distribute property to subtract polynomials.
This is part 2 of a two-part lesson. Click below to open part 1.
Learn how to identify monomials and polynomials and determine their degree in this interactive tutorial.
This is part 1 in a two-part series. Click here to open Part 2.
Learn to use algebra tiles to model subtracting polynomial expressions with this interactive tutorial.
Student Resources
Original Student Tutorials
Learn to use algebra tiles to model subtracting polynomial expressions with this interactive tutorial.
Type: Original Student Tutorial
Learn to use algebra tiles to model adding polynomial expressions with this interactive tutorial.
Type: Original Student Tutorial
Learn how to factor polynomials by finding their greatest common factor in this interactive tutorial.
Type: Original Student Tutorial
Learn how to add and subtract polynomials in this online tutorial. You will learn how to combine like terms and then use the distribute property to subtract polynomials.
This is part 2 of a two-part lesson. Click below to open part 1.
Type: Original Student Tutorial
Learn how to identify monomials and polynomials and determine their degree in this interactive tutorial.
This is part 1 in a two-part series. Click here to open Part 2.
Type: Original Student Tutorial
