Standard #: MAFS.912.A-SSE.1.2 (Archived Standard)


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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).



General Information

Subject Area: Mathematics
Grade: 912
Domain-Subdomain: Algebra: Seeing Structure in Expressions
Cluster: Interpret the structure of expressions. (Algebra 1 - Major Cluster) (Algebra 2 - Major Cluster) -

Clusters should not be sorted from Major to Supporting and then taught in that order. To do so would strip the coherence of the mathematical ideas and miss the opportunity to enhance the major work of the grade with the supporting clusters.

Date Adopted or Revised: 02/14
Date of Last Rating: 02/14
Status: State Board Approved - Archived
Assessed: Yes

Test Item Specifications

    Assessed with:
    MAFS.912.A-SSE.2.3




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Related Resources

Formative Assessments

Name Description
Rewriting Numerical Expressions

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

Determine the Width

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

Quadratic Expressions

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

Finding Missing Values

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

Lesson Plans

Name Description
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.
Math Is Exponentially Fun!

The students will informally learn the rules for exponents: product of powers, powers of powers, zero and negative exponents. The activities provide the teacher with a progression of steps that help lead students to determine results without knowing the rules formally. The closing activity is hands-on to help reinforce all rules.

Original Student Tutorials

Name Description
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.

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 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.

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.

Solving Rational Equations: Using Common Denominators

Learn how to solve rational functions by getting common denominators in this interactive 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.

Problem-Solving Tasks

Name Description
A Cubic Identity

Solving this problem with algebra requires factoring a particular cubic equation (the difference of two cubes) as well as a quadratic equation. An alternative solution using prime numbers and arithmetic is presented.

Equivalent Expressions

This is a standard problem phrased in a non-standard way. Rather than asking students to perform an operation, expanding, it expects them to choose the operation for themselves in response to a question about structure. Students must understand the need to transform the factored form of the quadratic expression (a product of sums) into a sum of products in order to easily see a, the coefficient of the x2 term; k, the leading coefficient of the x term; and n, the constant term.

Animal Populations

In this task students interpret the relative size of variable expressions involving two variables in the context of a real world situation. All given expressions can be interpreted as quantities that one might study when looking at two animal populations.

Computations with Complex Numbers

This resource involves simplifying algebraic expressions that involve complex numbers and various algebraic operations.

Unit/Lesson Sequence

Name Description
Sample Algebra 1 Curriculum Plan Using CMAP

This sample Algebra 1 CMAP is a fully customizable resource and curriculum-planning tool that provides a framework for the Algebra 1 Course. The units and standards are customizable and the CMAP allows instructors to add lessons, worksheets, and other resources as needed. This CMAP also includes rows that automatically filter and display Math Formative Assessments System tasks, E-Learning Original Student Tutorials and Perspectives Videos that are aligned to the standards, available on CPALMS.

Learn more about the sample Algebra 1 CMAP, its features and customizability by watching the following video:

Using this CMAP

To view an introduction on the CMAP tool, please .

To view the CMAP, click on the "Open Resource Page" button above; be sure you are logged in to your iCPALMS account.

To use this CMAP, click on the "Clone" button once the CMAP opens in the "Open Resource Page." Once the CMAP is cloned, you will be able to see it as a class inside your iCPALMS My Planner (CMAPs) app.

To access your My Planner App and the cloned CMAP, click on the iCPALMS tab in the top menu.

All CMAP tutorials can be found within the iCPALMS Planner App or at the following URL: http://www.cpalms.org/support/tutorials_and_informational_videos.aspx

Student Resources

Original Student Tutorials

Name Description
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.

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 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.

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.

Solving Rational Equations: Using Common Denominators:

Learn how to solve rational functions by getting common denominators in this interactive 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.

Problem-Solving Tasks

Name Description
A Cubic Identity:

Solving this problem with algebra requires factoring a particular cubic equation (the difference of two cubes) as well as a quadratic equation. An alternative solution using prime numbers and arithmetic is presented.

Equivalent Expressions:

This is a standard problem phrased in a non-standard way. Rather than asking students to perform an operation, expanding, it expects them to choose the operation for themselves in response to a question about structure. Students must understand the need to transform the factored form of the quadratic expression (a product of sums) into a sum of products in order to easily see a, the coefficient of the x2 term; k, the leading coefficient of the x term; and n, the constant term.

Animal Populations:

In this task students interpret the relative size of variable expressions involving two variables in the context of a real world situation. All given expressions can be interpreted as quantities that one might study when looking at two animal populations.

Computations with Complex Numbers:

This resource involves simplifying algebraic expressions that involve complex numbers and various algebraic operations.



Parent Resources

Problem-Solving Tasks

Name Description
A Cubic Identity:

Solving this problem with algebra requires factoring a particular cubic equation (the difference of two cubes) as well as a quadratic equation. An alternative solution using prime numbers and arithmetic is presented.

Equivalent Expressions:

This is a standard problem phrased in a non-standard way. Rather than asking students to perform an operation, expanding, it expects them to choose the operation for themselves in response to a question about structure. Students must understand the need to transform the factored form of the quadratic expression (a product of sums) into a sum of products in order to easily see a, the coefficient of the x2 term; k, the leading coefficient of the x term; and n, the constant term.

Animal Populations:

In this task students interpret the relative size of variable expressions involving two variables in the context of a real world situation. All given expressions can be interpreted as quantities that one might study when looking at two animal populations.

Computations with Complex Numbers:

This resource involves simplifying algebraic expressions that involve complex numbers and various algebraic operations.



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