Math9-12+
Factoring Polynomials for Rational Expressions
By Stephanie S.
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.
Customize for your classroom
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.
Math9-12+
Factoring Polynomials for Rational Expressions
By Stephanie S.
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.
Customize for your classroom
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.