MA.912.AR.1.7

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Rewrite a polynomial expression as a product of polynomials over the real number system.

Examples

Example: The expression begin mathsize 12px style 4 x cubed y minus 3 x squared y to the power of 4 end style is equivalent to the factored form begin mathsize 12px style x squared y open parentheses 4 x minus 3 y cubed close parentheses end style.

Example: The expression begin mathsize 12px style 16 x squared minus 9 y squared end style is equivalent to the factored form begin mathsize 12px style open parentheses 4 x minus 3 y close parentheses open parentheses 4 x plus 3 y close parentheses end style.

Clarifications

Clarification 1: Within the Algebra 1 course, polynomial expressions are limited to 4 or fewer terms with integer coefficients.
General Information
Subject Area: Mathematics (B.E.S.T.)
Grade: 912
Strand: Algebraic Reasoning
Standard: Interpret and rewrite algebraic expressions and equations in equivalent forms.
Date Adopted or Revised: 08/20
Status: State Board Approved

Benchmark Instructional Guide

Connecting Benchmarks/Horizontal Alignment

 

Terms from the K-12 Glossary

  • Expression  
  • Polynomial

 

Vertical Alignment

Previous Benchmarks

Next Benchmarks

 

Purpose and Instructional Strategies

In grade 8, students rewrote binomial algebraic expressions as a common factor times a binomial. In Algebra I, students rewrite polynomials, up to 4 terms, as a product of polynomials over the real numbers. In later grades, students will rewrite polynomials as a product of polynomials over the real and complex number systems. 
  • Instruction includes special cases such as difference of squares and perfect square trinomials. 
  • Instruction builds upon student prior knowledge of factors, including greatest common factors. 
  • Instruction includes the student understanding that factoring is the inverse of multiplying polynomial expressions. 
  • Instruction includes the use of models, manipulatives and recognizing patterns when factoring. o 
    • Sum-Product Pattern 
      • The expression x2 + 7x + 10 can be written as (x + 5)(x + 2) since 5 + 2 = 7 and 5(2) =  10. 
    • Factor by Grouping 
      • The expression x3+ 7x2+ 2x + 14 can be grouped into two binomials and rewritten as  (x3+ 7x2) + (2x + 14). Each binomial can be factored and rewritten as x2 (x + 7) + 2(x + 7) resulting in  the same factor and the factored form as (x2 + 2)(x + 7) 
    • A-C Method 
      • When factoring trinomials ax2 + bx+ c , multiply a and c, then determine factor pairs of   the  product. Using the factor pair that add to b and multiply to c, rewrite the middle term and  then factor by grouping. 
        • For example, given 2x2 + x − 6  and that ac = −12, one can determine that two numbers that add to 1 and multiple to -12 are 4 and -3. This information can be used to rewrite the given quadratic as 2x2 + 4x − 3x − 6 . Then, using factor by grouping the expression is equivalent to (2x2 + 4x) - (3x + 6)  which is equivalent to 2x(x + 2) − 3(x + 2) which is equivalent to the factored form (2x − 3)(x + 2). 
    • Box Method 
      • To factor ax2 + bx + c  the general box method is shown below.

      • For example, to factor 2x2 - 9x - 5  the box method is shown below. 

             

    • Area Model (Algebra tiles) 
      • The factorization of  2x2 - 9x - 5 using algebra tiles is shown below.

 

Common Misconceptions or Errors

  • Students may not identify the greatest common factor or factor completely.

 

Strategies to Support Tiered Instruction

  • Instruction includes providing a flow chart to reference while completing examples. 
  • Instruction includes providing definition of greatest common factor and strategies for identifying the greatest common factor of numerical or algebraic terms. 
    • For example, the expression 8x3 - 4x2 has common factors of 2 and x, but these are not greatest common factors. The greatest common factor of the coefficients is 4 and the greatest common factor of the variable terms is x2. So, the greatest common factor of the two terms is  4x2. The expression 8x3 - 4x2 can be rewritten as  4x2 (2x -1).

 

Instructional Tasks

Instructional Task 1 (MTR.3.1, MTR.4.1, MTR.5.1) 
  • Part A. Given the polynomial x4 – 16y4 z8, rewrite it as a product of polynomials. 
  • Part B. Discuss with your partner the strategy used. How do your polynomial factors compare to one another? 

Instructional Task 2 (MTR.3.1, MTR.5.1) 
  • Part A. What are the factors of the quadratic 16x2  - 48x + 36?
  • Part B. Determine the roots of the quadratic function f(x) = 16x2  - 48x + 36. 
  • Part C. What do you notice about your answers from Part A and Part B? 
  • Part D. Graph the function f(x) = 16x2  - 48x + 36.

 

Instructional Items

Instructional Item 1 
  • Given the polynomial  x4 – 16y4 z8, rewrite it as a product of polynomials. 
Instructional Item 2 
  • Given the polynomial x2  - 10x + 24, rewrite it as a product of polynomials. 
Instructional Item 3 
  • Given the polynomial x3 - 3x2 - 9x + 27 rewrite it as a product of polynomials. 
Instructional Item 4 
  • What is one of the factors of the polynomial 21r3 s2  - 14 r2s?

 

*The strategies, tasks and items included in the B1G-M are examples and should not be considered comprehensive.

Related Courses

This benchmark is part of these courses.
1200310: Algebra 1 (Specifically in versions: 2014 - 2015, 2015 - 2022, 2022 - 2024, 2024 and beyond (current))
1200320: Algebra 1 Honors (Specifically in versions: 2014 - 2015, 2015 - 2022, 2022 - 2024, 2024 and beyond (current))
1200380: Algebra 1-B (Specifically in versions: 2014 - 2015, 2015 - 2022, 2022 - 2024, 2024 and beyond (current))
1200400: Foundational Skills in Mathematics 9-12 (Specifically in versions: 2014 - 2015, 2015 - 2022, 2022 - 2024, 2024 and beyond (current))
7912090: Access Algebra 1B (Specifically in versions: 2014 - 2015, 2015 - 2018, 2018 - 2019, 2019 - 2022, 2022 and beyond (current))
1200315: Algebra 1 for Credit Recovery (Specifically in versions: 2014 - 2015, 2015 - 2022, 2022 - 2024, 2024 and beyond (current))
1200385: Algebra 1-B for Credit Recovery (Specifically in versions: 2014 - 2015, 2015 - 2022, 2022 - 2024, 2024 and beyond (current))
7912075: Access Algebra 1 (Specifically in versions: 2014 - 2015, 2015 - 2018, 2018 - 2019, 2019 - 2022, 2022 and beyond (current))
1200550: Florida Advanced Course and Test (FACT) College Algebra (Specifically in versions: 2025 and beyond (current))

Related Access Points

Alternate version of this benchmark for students with significant cognitive disabilities.
MA.912.AR.1.AP.7: Factor a quadratic expression.

Related Resources

Vetted resources educators can use to teach the concepts and skills in this benchmark.

Formative Assessments

Rewriting Numerical Expressions:

Students are asked to rewrite numerical expressions to find efficient ways to calculate.

Type: Formative Assessment

Determine the Width:

Students are asked to find the width of a rectangle whose area and length are given as polynomials.

Type: Formative Assessment

Quadratic Expressions:

Students are asked to identify equivalent quadratic expressions and to name the form in which each expression is written.

Type: Formative Assessment

Finding Missing Values:

Students are asked to rewrite quadratic expressions and identify parts of the expressions.

Type: Formative Assessment

Lesson Plans

Solving Quadratic Equations by Completing the square:

Students will model the process of completing the square (leading coefficient of 1) with algebra tiles, and then practice solving equations using the completing the square method. This lesson provides a discovery opportunity to conceptually see why the process of squaring half of the b value is considered completing the square.

Type: Lesson Plan

Sorting Equations and Identities:

This lesson is intended to help you assess how well students are able to:

  • Recognize the differences between equations and identities.
  • Substitute numbers into algebraic statements in order to test their validity in special cases.
  • Resist common errors when manipulating expressions such as 2(x – 3) = 2x – 3; (x + 3)2 = x2 + 32.
  • Carry out correct algebraic manipulations.

It also aims to encourage discussion on some common misconceptions about algebra.

Type: Lesson Plan

Matching Trinomials with Area Models_2023:

Matching Trinomials with Area Models_2023

Type: Lesson Plan

Taming the Behavior of Polynomials:

This lesson will cover sketching the graphs of polynomials while in factored form without the use of a calculator.

Type: Lesson Plan

Using algebra tiles and tables to factor trinomials (less guess and check!):

This lesson addresses factoring when a = 1 and also when a > 1.  Part 1 (Algebra Tiles) contains examples when a = 1 and a >1. Part 2 (tables) contains only examples when
a > 1. 

In part 1, students will use algebra tiles to visually see how to factor trinomials (a = 1 and a > 1). In part 2, they will use a 3 x 3 table (a > 1). This process makes students more confident when factoring because there is less guess and check involved in solving each problem.

Type: Lesson Plan

Original Student Tutorials

Factoring Polynomials with Greatest Common Factor:

Learn how to factor polynomials by finding their greatest common factor in this interactive tutorial.

Type: Original Student Tutorial

Multistep Factoring: Quadratics:

Learn how to use multistep factoring to factor quadratics in this interactive tutorial.

This is part 5 in a five-part series. Click below to open the other tutorials in this series.

Type: Original Student Tutorial

Factoring Polynomials when "a" Does Not Equal 1, Snowflake Method:

Learn to factor quadratic trinomials when the coefficient a does not equal 1 by using the Snowflake Method in this interactive tutorial.

This is part 4 in a five-part series. Click below to open the other tutorials in this series.

Type: Original Student Tutorial

Factoring Quadratics When the Coefficient a Does Not Equal 1: The Box Method:

Learn how to factor quadratic polynomials when the leading coefficient (a) is not 1 by using the box method in this interactive tutorial.

This is part 3 in a five-part series. Click below to open the other tutorials in this series.

Type: Original Student Tutorial

The Diamond Game: Factoring Quadratics when a = 1:

Learn how to factor quadratics when the coefficient a = 1 using the diamond method in this game show-themed, interactive tutorial.

This is part 1 in a five-part series. Click below to open the other tutorials in this series.

Type: Original Student Tutorial

Factoring Polynomials Using Special Cases:

Learn how to factor quadratic polynomials that follow special cases, difference of squares and perfect square trinomials, in this interactive tutorial.

This is part 2 in a five-part series. Click below to open the other tutorials in this series.

Type: Original Student Tutorial

Perspectives Video: Teaching Ideas

Factoring Trinomials Part 4 The Leading Coefficient is Greater than One and the Constant is Negative:

Students factor trinomials with leading coefficients greater than one and a negative constant term, using algebra tiles to deepen understanding through productive struggle.

Type: Perspectives Video: Teaching Idea

Factoring Trinomials Part 3: The Leading Coefficient is Greater than One:

Students factor trinomials with leading coefficients greater than one, using algebra tiles to deepen understanding through productive struggle.

Type: Perspectives Video: Teaching Idea

Factoring Trinomials Part 2: A Negative Constant Term:

Students learn to factor trinomials with a negative constant term, using algebra tiles to deepen understanding through productive struggle.

Type: Perspectives Video: Teaching Idea

Factoring Trinomials Part 1 : A Visual Guide with Algebra Tiles:

Building on prior area model knowledge, algebra tiles are used to factor one-variable trinomials where all terms are positive.

Type: Perspectives Video: Teaching Idea

Multiplying Polynomials:

Unlock an effective teaching strategy for teaching multiplying polynomials in this Teacher Perspectives video for educators.

Type: Perspectives Video: Teaching Idea

MFAS Formative Assessments

Determine the Width:

Students are asked to find the width of a rectangle whose area and length are given as polynomials.

Finding Missing Values:

Students are asked to rewrite quadratic expressions and identify parts of the expressions.

Quadratic Expressions:

Students are asked to identify equivalent quadratic expressions and to name the form in which each expression is written.

Rewriting Numerical Expressions:

Students are asked to rewrite numerical expressions to find efficient ways to calculate.

Original Student Tutorials Mathematics - Grades 9-12

Factoring Polynomials Using Special Cases:

Learn how to factor quadratic polynomials that follow special cases, difference of squares and perfect square trinomials, in this interactive tutorial.

This is part 2 in a five-part series. Click below to open the other tutorials in this series.

Factoring Polynomials when "a" Does Not Equal 1, Snowflake Method:

Learn to factor quadratic trinomials when the coefficient a does not equal 1 by using the Snowflake Method in this interactive tutorial.

This is part 4 in a five-part series. Click below to open the other tutorials in this series.

Factoring Polynomials with Greatest Common Factor:

Learn how to factor polynomials by finding their greatest common factor in this interactive tutorial.

Factoring Quadratics When the Coefficient a Does Not Equal 1: The Box Method:

Learn how to factor quadratic polynomials when the leading coefficient (a) is not 1 by using the box method in this interactive tutorial.

This is part 3 in a five-part series. Click below to open the other tutorials in this series.

Multistep Factoring: Quadratics:

Learn how to use multistep factoring to factor quadratics in this interactive tutorial.

This is part 5 in a five-part series. Click below to open the other tutorials in this series.

The Diamond Game: Factoring Quadratics when a = 1:

Learn how to factor quadratics when the coefficient a = 1 using the diamond method in this game show-themed, interactive tutorial.

This is part 1 in a five-part series. Click below to open the other tutorials in this series.

Student Resources

Vetted resources students can use to learn the concepts and skills in this benchmark.

Original Student Tutorials

Factoring Polynomials with Greatest Common Factor:

Learn how to factor polynomials by finding their greatest common factor in this interactive tutorial.

Type: Original Student Tutorial

Multistep Factoring: Quadratics:

Learn how to use multistep factoring to factor quadratics in this interactive tutorial.

This is part 5 in a five-part series. Click below to open the other tutorials in this series.

Type: Original Student Tutorial

Factoring Polynomials when "a" Does Not Equal 1, Snowflake Method:

Learn to factor quadratic trinomials when the coefficient a does not equal 1 by using the Snowflake Method in this interactive tutorial.

This is part 4 in a five-part series. Click below to open the other tutorials in this series.

Type: Original Student Tutorial

Factoring Quadratics When the Coefficient a Does Not Equal 1: The Box Method:

Learn how to factor quadratic polynomials when the leading coefficient (a) is not 1 by using the box method in this interactive tutorial.

This is part 3 in a five-part series. Click below to open the other tutorials in this series.

Type: Original Student Tutorial

The Diamond Game: Factoring Quadratics when a = 1:

Learn how to factor quadratics when the coefficient a = 1 using the diamond method in this game show-themed, interactive tutorial.

This is part 1 in a five-part series. Click below to open the other tutorials in this series.

Type: Original Student Tutorial

Factoring Polynomials Using Special Cases:

Learn how to factor quadratic polynomials that follow special cases, difference of squares and perfect square trinomials, in this interactive tutorial.

This is part 2 in a five-part series. Click below to open the other tutorials in this series.

Type: Original Student Tutorial

Parent Resources

Vetted resources caregivers can use to help students learn the concepts and skills in this benchmark.