Polynomials

Lesson 10

Math

Unit 3

11th Grade

Lesson 10 of 14

Objective


Factor difference and sums of cubes. Explain sums and differences of cubes as polynomial identities.

Common Core Standards


Core Standards

  • A.APR.C.4 — Prove polynomial identities and use them to describe numerical relationships. For example, the polynomial identity (x² + y²)2 = (x² — y²)² + (2xy)² can be used to generate Pythagorean triples.

Foundational Standards

  • A.SSE.A.2

Criteria for Success


  1. Explain that there are factoring patterns that are referred to as “identities” and that these identities are true regardless of the value of $$x$$ or $$y$$ in the polynomial function. 
  2. Describe how the polynomial identities can make factoring easier and can be proven through already known algebraic methods. 
  3. Use the polynomial identities of sums and differences of cubes to solve problems.
  4. Derive the difference of cubes identity as $${(a-b)(a^2-ab+b^2 )}$$
  5. Derive the sum of cubes identity as $${(a+b)(a^2+ab+b^2 )}$$.

Tips for Teachers


  • Memorization of the difference and sums of cubes identity is not necessary to master this lesson. 
  • This resource describes how long division can be used to solve Anchor Problem #1.
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Anchor Problems


Problem 1

The diagram below shows a cube of dimensions $$B$$ subtracted from a cube of dimensions $$A$$. The total volume represents $$ A^3-B^3$$

The diagram below shows the volume of $$ A^3-B^3$$ subdivided into smaller volumes. Find the formula for the difference of two cubes using the smaller volumes shown.

Guiding Questions

Create a free account or sign in to access the Guiding Questions for this Anchor Problem.

References

YouTube Video: “Difference of Cubes” by Alex Toole

“Difference of Cubes” by Alex Toole by Alex Toole is made available by YouTube under the Standard YouTube License. Accessed Sept. 26, 2017, 3:13 p.m..

Problem 2

Determine if the following are factors of the cubic polynomials shown: 

Is $${(a-b)}$$ a factor of $${a^3-b^3}$$

Is $${(a+b)}$$ a factor of $${a^3+b^3}$$

Guiding Questions

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Target Task


Factor the following expressions and verify that the factored expression is equivalent to the original. 

$${16x^6+2y^3}$$

$${16x^6-2y^3}$$

How are the two factored expressions different?

Additional Practice


The following resources include problems and activities aligned to the objective of the lesson that can be used for additional practice or to create your own problem set.

  • Include problems where students need to factor the difference or sum of two cubes with and without leading coefficients. 
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Lesson 9

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Lesson 11

Lesson Map

A7CB09C2-D12F-4F55-80DB-37298FF0A765

Topic A: Polynomial Features and Graphs

Topic B: Operations with Polynomials

Topic C: Polynomial Extensions

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