standard_description: Use the structure of an expression to identify ways to rewrite it. For example, see x^(4) – y^(4 )as (x^(2))^(2 )– (y^(2))^(2), thus recognizing it as a difference of squares that can be factored as (x^(2 )– y^(2))(x^(2 )+ y^(2)).
problem_activity: Narrative
The purpose of this activity is for students to match language to visual representations of rectangles and circles
partitioned and shaded in different ways.
Representation: Access for Perception.
Read each of the phrases aloud. Students who both listen to and read the information will benefit from extra processing time.
Supports accessibility for: Language, Conceptual Processing
Launch
Groups of 2
Activity
Read the task statement.
“You may use the phrases more than once.”
6 minutes: partner work time
Student Facing
Here are some ways to describe the shapes.
split into fourths
split into halves
split into quarters
a half shaded
a quarter shaded
a fourth shaded
two of the halves shaded
four of the fourths shaded
Label each shape with at least one phrase from the lists.
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Student Response
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Activity Synthesis
Display the circle with four of the fourths shaded.
“Let’s list all the ways we could describe this shape.” (It’s split into fourths. It is split into quarters. Four of the fourths are shaded.)
Repeat with other shapes as time permits.


aligns: no