There are many ways to approach finding the rational approximation of an unknown square root. Here is a problem that will help math learners make a connection between square roots and their order on a number line. As usual, determine two...

No calculators! Assure your learners that they can find the square root of a large number. All they need are two known squares close by and a table. Come up with an additional practice and your number crunchers will have it mastered in...

This is a wonderful exercise for learners to apply their critical thinking skills along with their knowledge of quadratic functions and parabolas. Young mathematicians investigate a real-world scenario about the height a baseball reaches...

Learners rewrite a general quadratic function by completing the square to see a new form of the function that more easily identifies the x-coordinate of the vertex and the two roots of the function.

In a writing prompt, learners are asked to check the calculation of a decimal exponent without a calculator. Use as an opener or assessment after studying fractional exponents. Requires a strong understanding of exponents and roots to...

These four problems will guide your class through the idea behind the Fundamental Theorem of Algebra, which states that a polynomial of degree n has exactly n roots. Use the division algorithm and the definition of a zero/root of a...

Rewrite a quadratic function to easily see the transformations involved. The instructional task takes a general quadratic function and rewrites it into a form that shows the translations and scaling of the parent quadratic function. The...

It's time for them to show you what they've learned! The review provides a sampling of the different concepts learned throughout the eight-part series. Learners solve equations by combining like terms, applying the distributive property,...

Your pupils just may know more than you think they do! A pre-test assesses their ability to solve and write equations. It includes simple quadratic and cubic equations as well. 

Is 4 plus the square root of 2 rational or irrational? After your class has gained a basic grasp of rational and irrational numbers, use this activity to push them a little further in their understanding. Learners must identify sums and...

Complex solutions are not always simple to find. In the fourth lesson of the unit, the class extends their understanding of complex numbers in order to solve and check the solutions to a rational equation presented in the first lesson....

This activity uses the division algorithm and the definition of a zero/root of a function to guide your class to see the relationship between zeros and factors of a general quadratic, which can later be generalized to the Remainder...

This task gives geometry learners practice in solving radical equations in one variable and zeros in extraneous solutions.

Participants who use this resource will apply the Pythagorean Theorem to show whether or not the shaded triangle inscribed in a rectangle is a right triangle. Once all of the sides on the shaded triangle are found, it is important that...

Algebra learners must know how to use rational numbers to approximate irrationals. This resource asks participants to decide which number is larger without using a calculator. It makes a great exercise to use as a five-minute transition...

It might help when working with this resource to give an example of a composition function. For example, the amount of time it takes to get to work depends on the amount of traffic; the amount traffic depends on the time of day....