Forget the stress of finding ways to differentiate in your Algebra 1 classroom! This real world math activity for polynomial operations has two versions that will challenge and engage all of your students.

Real life applications are an essential part of any curriculum, but can often intimidate students. This activity offers scaffolding to support students as they learn to solve word problems and navigate the problem solving process.

Level 1 gives formulas and scaffolds the word problems, while Level 2 requires your students to think critically and problem solve.

This real world algebra application is perfect for group work and collaboration. It can also be used as a stand-alone formative assessment for polynomial operations!

This real world math activity includes:

✅ Writing polynomial expressions from word problems

✅ Adding and subtracting polynomials

✅ Multiplying polynomials

✅ Simplifying a polynomial using given values

✅ Using polynomial operations to find area and perimeter

✅ Critical thinking questions and reasoning prompts

✅ Two differentiated levels to meet your students where they are at

☆Answer key included☆

What is the real world scenario?

You are hiring someone to redo your kitchen and living room floors. There are a few calculations you need to send to them to get a quote. Use the floor plan below to answer the contractor’s questions.

From this scenario, your students will write expressions using the information given in the diagram and explain their thinking.

How is this real life application different than regular word problems?

Most word problems have one question that needs to be answered and little follow up or detail. My real world math activities stretch one idea or scenario into a meaningful performance task that can be used as a full assessment of student learning.

This application is more than interpreting the question and quickly getting to the answer. Your students will be challenged to think critically about each scenario and defend their solutions.

The best part? All of the topics are relevant and modernized (because kids don’t care about calculating CD sales or cell phone minutes anymore).

How I have used this real world algebra application:

⭐Whole Group: This real world math activity is perfect for guided notes and introducing the relationship between Algebra 1 and middle school geometry.

⭐Small Group: Your students can work together to complete this activity and have discussions about different strategies for writing expressions from diagrams.

⭐ Individual: I have used this activity as a formative assessment for my Algebra 1 students. It usually takes them about one class period to complete on their own.