I’d argue that factoring trinomials is the largest and most challenging unit in the Algebra 1 curriculum. There are many steps for solving the more complicated problems and lots of room for error.
It’s easy to get stuck in a rut when teaching factoring, so I’m sharing 10 activities that you can use in your classroom to get your students engaged!
Guided Notes
Factoring A = 1 & Factoring A > 1
These differentiated factoring quadratics guided notes and practice worksheets create the perfect no-prep lesson plan. There are two versions of each resource that will help you seamlessly differentiate your Algebra 1 or 2 classroom.
These notes will walk your students through new (and old) vocabulary, review questions, and factoring trinomials using either the box method or the table method. You’ll also get two student practice pages with 16 practice problems with answer keys.
Each set of guided notes can be completed in one day or split up over multiple class periods to give your students time to practice.
Choose from factoring trinomials when a = 1 or when a ≠ 1 (or bundle these resources and save 20%).
Factoring Special Cases
Special cases of quadratics should be the easiest part of this unit, but for many students it is the most complicated. The first step to understanding the difference of two squares and perfect square trinomial patterns is recognizing them in a problem.
Once students see the pattern, all they have to do is use the respective formula to factor the expression. I find that using visuals and having reference sheets is incredibly helpful for students to remember and apply these formulas.
These guided notes are complete with review/prompting questions, example problems, and two pages of practice problems. In addition to using these formulas, students will also have examples for problems that require them to factor out a GCF first, then recognize the patterns.
The included practice worksheets can be used for classwork, homework, or quiz review for your entire factoring quadratics unit.
Warm Ups & Exit Tickets
Factoring Special Cases
Warm ups and exit tickets are the perfect no-prep, grab-and-go activity for your Algebra 1 students. All of the prompts are content-aligned and can be used as task cards, writing prompts, or math journals.
These warm ups aren’t just additional practice problems. Each writing prompt will require your students to justify their reasoning and think beyond the factoring method.
Your students will answer questions like error analysis, real world applications, compare/contrast, and which doesn’t belong?.
Factoring Trinomials Digital Escape Room
This digital, self-checking escape room will bring your students through a high stakes FBI mission. In order to complete the mission, they must solve quadratic equations to move through each task.
Here’s the scenario:
The Capital Savings Bank headquarters has been infiltrated by a group of robbers. you and your team must prevent them from hacking all of the branches.
As an FBI worker, you and your team have been tasked with shutting down this attack from the inside without leaving a trace.
All of the problems in this digital escape room can be solved using factoring.
Task Cards
Task cards are a fan favorite in my Algebra classrooms. Any chance to get my students out of their seats and talking about math is one I’m going to take!
This low-prep factoring trinomials activity is perfect for Algebra I practice or Algebra II review! This activity bundle includes 32 task cards that require the students to factor out a GCF, factor trinomials when a = 1, and when a ≠ 1.
Since these Algebra 1 task cards are self-checking, your students can work independently or in pairs to complete these with little to no help from you. You will finally be able to walk around the room and observe while your students problem-solve and discuss strategies.
Don’t want your students to have the answers? I’ve included a version without QR codes as well!
Real World Applications
Dog Park
These word problems challenge students to use their knowledge of factoring trinomials and binomials along with problem solving skills to figure out missing values about the development of a dog park.
Scenario:
Your town is designing a new dog park and needs your help adding the finishing touches. Your students will use the information given and their knowledge of multiplying polynomials and factoring quadratics to fill in the missing information.
This real world application makes it easy to differentiate your math class without the stress of coming up with multiple resources. The lower level word problems use explicit language and provide formulas for the students, while the upper level requires more problem solving skills.
You can use this print-and-go activity as an assessment, in class assignment, or group work.
Vertical Motion Model
These vertical motion model guided notes are a great introduction to graphing quadratic and polynomial functions. Your students will be walked through finding solutions of quadratic functions, what the solutions mean, and how to use tables to solve the problems.
The scaffolded notes include prompting and reflection questions with multiple example problems that you can solve with your class or have them try on their own.
You’ll also get two pages of student practice worksheets (with answer keys) that relate directly to the notes!