Re[2]: [MATHEDCC] Johnny can't factor

harpers@mcgraw-hill.com
Wed, 23 Apr 97 09:29:59 edt

Actually, you can teach factoring and completing the square
effectively with algebra tiles. Algebra tiles consist of small squares
for units, rectangles for x, and large squares for x^2.

And counters of different colors represent negative numbers. (-1 * -2
means remove two negative counters from a mat containing zero as
represented by two positive and two negative counters. The remaining
tiles - two positives - represents the solution.)

______________________________ Reply Separator _________________________________
Subject: Re: [MATHEDCC] Johnny can't factor
Author: mathedcc@archives.math.utk.edu at CCNODE
Date: 4/22/97 9:55 PM

Noticed someone calling manipulatives "concrete pacifiers".
Love it!

I can see how C.P.'s can help adding 1/2 + 1/3.


But, will someone explain how to factor Y = X**2 + 2X + 1
using "concrete pacifiers?"

After that, how about (-1)(-2) using manipulatives?

How can one "complete the square" using manipulatives?

Regards,

The Old Pro
Jim C. Gajniak
Math Teacher






At 09:15 AM 4/22/1997 -0700, you wrote:
>Headline in the Lewiston Morning Tribune today was, you guessed it. And
>manipulatives are called "concrete pacifers". Working together in groups
>is called "social hour". The NCTM standards are to blame. Here goes the
>pendulum again. Sigh. I sure have been doing a lot of sighing lately; it
>must be near the end of the semester.
>
>--Laura
>
>-------------------------------------------------------------
>Laura Bracken Petersen petersen@lcsc.edu
>
>Division of Natural Sciences PHONE 208-799-2484
>Lewis-Clark State College FAX 208-799-2064
>500 8th Avenue
>Lewiston ID 83501-2698 USA
>-------------------------------------------------------------
>
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