Factoring Polynomials for Rational Expressions
This 2-page practice set is designed for 11th and 12th grade students to reinforce polynomial factoring skills as they are applied to simplifying rational expressions. It includes a variety of factoring techniques, such as GCF, difference of squares, trinomials, and grouping, with problems offering varying point values to allow for student choice.
“Create a worksheet for my on-level Pre-Cal students to practice factoring polynomials. I'd like a variety of problems that are each worth different amounts of points, and they can choose which problems to work out to get up to a 110%. The types of problems I'd like to include are factoring out a GCF, difference of squares, trinomials where a=1 and where a>1, factoring by grouping, and multistep problems. No sums or differences of cubes or anything super weird. ACTUALLY, we're about to start learning rational functions. Let's make this an activity where students are simplifying rational expressions/functions, but have to factor to do that.”
Teacher Guide & Tips
- Use this activity as a 45-60 minute practice session, either individually or in small groups, to prepare students for simplifying rational functions.
- Discussion question: How does factoring help us simplify complex algebraic expressions, and what are the potential pitfalls if factoring is done incorrectly?
- For struggling learners, encourage them to focus on problems involving GCF and difference of squares first, or provide a factoring "cheat sheet" with examples.
- Advanced students can be challenged to create their own rational expressions that require multiple factoring steps for simplification, or to explore the connection between factoring and finding vertical asymptotes.
What is Diffit?
Teachers use Diffit to get quality materials for their unique classrooms. Adjust difficulty, add scaffolds, or change the topic to get started.
Try Diffit for free“Create a worksheet for my on-level Pre-Cal students to practice factoring polynomials. I'd like a variety of problems that are each worth different amounts of points, and they can choose which problems to work out to get up to a 110%. The types of problems I'd like to include are factoring out a GCF, difference of squares, trinomials where a=1 and where a>1, factoring by grouping, and multistep problems. No sums or differences of cubes or anything super weird. ACTUALLY, we're about to start learning rational functions. Let's make this an activity where students are simplifying rational expressions/functions, but have to factor to do that.”
Teacher Guide & Tips
- Use this activity as a 45-60 minute practice session, either individually or in small groups, to prepare students for simplifying rational functions.
- Discussion question: How does factoring help us simplify complex algebraic expressions, and what are the potential pitfalls if factoring is done incorrectly?
- For struggling learners, encourage them to focus on problems involving GCF and difference of squares first, or provide a factoring "cheat sheet" with examples.
- Advanced students can be challenged to create their own rational expressions that require multiple factoring steps for simplification, or to explore the connection between factoring and finding vertical asymptotes.
Factoring Polynomials for Rational Expressions
This 2-page practice set is designed for 11th and 12th grade students to reinforce polynomial factoring skills as they are applied to simplifying rational expressions. It includes a variety of factoring techniques, such as GCF, difference of squares, trinomials, and grouping, with problems offering varying point values to allow for student choice.
What is Diffit?
Teachers use Diffit to get quality materials for their unique classrooms. Adjust difficulty, add scaffolds, or change the topic to get started.
Try Diffit for free