We are learning multiplying polynomials and I’m starting with the area model. Their homework is shown above and so is the reason most of them felt they couldn’t calculate area (hence not doing their homework). With that said we went through some examples if the length of the square was a number and we had to continue to go back to these examples to help is with the variable rectangle. If i have a chance to type up this entire lesson and what was said I will. Great discussion by students and lots of wrestling with ideas in their brains.
I asked a student: “Well is x a number?” S: “No!” (very quick response) “Wait” eyes scrunched, light bulb blinking, data processing “Wait yes of course x is a number! It’s just that we don’t know what that number IS” Great thinking and discussion by all students today in class.