POWER SHAPES

Understanding Exponents
and Polynomials
 POWER SHAPES:

Understanding Exponents and Polynomials 


(Adapted from Power Shape: Understanding Exponents and Polynomials, a Trainer’s

Training Resource Package by Marjorie Salcedo-Javier)

Prepared by:

Rey Mark R. Queano

Schools Division of Lucena City
Region IV-A (CALABARZON)
Session Objectives
1.To explore the concept of exponents using
guided discovery approach.
2.To use models to explore and add/subtract
polynomials.
3.To develop vocabulary related to polynomials
using cooperative learning activities.
4.To use cooperative learning strategies to increase
student involvement, achievement and
accountability
ACTIVITY 1. Power Shape
1. Using your 1-cm grid paper and the coloring
pencil, color 2 adjacent squares to form a 1 x 2
rectangle. Use 1 color for the 2 squares.

2. Using other color, color another 1 x 2
rectangle then slide it upward to double its size
and form a new 2 x 2 rectangle.

3. A third shape should be colored by coloring
another 2 x 2 shape, then slide it to the right to
double its size and form a new 2 x 4 shape.

4. Continue this process, color the fourth shape
by coloring another 2 x 4 shape, then slide it up to
double its size and form a new 4 x 4 shape.
5. Repeat with the 4 x 4 shape, color it and “slide”
to the right and color to double its size and form a
new 4 x 8 shape.


What have you noticed about the sequence
of shapes?

Describe how each shape is changed to make
the next shape to the right.

How should the next shape in the sequence
be formed?
What is its size?
How were these exponential expressions obtained?
ACTIVITY 2. Build Me
Using the algebra tiles, build the following polynomials in
your working mat.

1. positive 2

2. positive x plus 4

3. positive x minus 4

4. positive x squared
ACTIVITY 2. Build Me
Using the algebra tiles, build the following polynomials in
your working mat.

5. positive 3x2 minus 2x

6. negative 5x plus 3

7. positive 2x2 plus 2x minus 3

8. negative 3x2 minus 5x plus 2

In the activity, how the use of algebra
tiles helped you understand
polynomials? 

Addition and Subtraction of
Polynomials
ACTIVITY 3. Picturing Polynomials
1. Using the algebra tiles and the working mat , you will
compete in modelling addition and subtraction of
polynomials.
2. I will give the polynomials and your group will
manipulate the algebra tiles to arrive with the answer.
3. Once your group already formed the answer (sum or
difference), all your group members will stand up and
cheer.
4. The first group to stand up with the correct answer will
receive the point.
1. (4x) + (x)
2. (5x + 1) + (2x + 3)
3. (7x – 1) + (-3x2 + x)
4. (4x2 – 3x + 1) + (x – 3)

+
4. (4x2 – 3x + 1) + (x – 3)

4x2 – 2x - 2
5. (-x2 + 3x + 7) + (2x2 – 4x – 5)

+
5. (-x2 + 3x + 7) + (2x2 – 4x – 5)

x2 – x + 2
6. (x – 2) – (3x – 5)

-
6. (x – 2) – (3x – 5)

-2x + 3
7. 3x – (-x2 – 5)

-
7. 3x – (-x2 – 5)

x2 + 3x + 5
8. (2x2 – 2x + 4) – (x – 3)

-
8. (2x2 – 2x + 4) – (x – 3)

2x2 - 3x + 1
9. (-3x2 + 2x – 5) – (-2x2 + 3x + 1)

-
9. (-3x2 + 2x – 5) – (-2x2 + 3x + 1)

-x2 - x - 6
How do we add/subtract polynomials?
ACTIVITY 4. Sage-n-Scribe
Let’s Think and Share!
1.  How did you feel before and after performing all
the activities?
2.  What helped you perform the activities?
3.  What are the hindrances you have encountered
in doing those activities?
4.  How important is visualizing the concrete idea of
an exponent or polynomials before connecting it
to symbols?
5.  What have you realized after performing the
activities?
Exponent
The exponent of a number (base)
says how many times to use the number
(base) in a multiplication.

Exponents are also called Powers or

Indices.

Exponents make it easier to write and use

many multiplications. You can
multiply any number by itself as many
times as you want using exponents.
Polynomials
•  A polynomial is a mathematical expression consisting of
variables, coefficients, and the operations of addition,
subtraction, multiplication, and non-negative integer
exponents.
•  Polynomials are an important part of the "language" of
mathematics and algebra. They are used in nearly every
field of mathematics to express numbers as a result of
mathematical operations. Polynomials are also "building
blocks" in other types of mathematical expressions, such
as rational expressions.
Guided Discovery Approach
•  Guided Discovery is an approach to inquiry-based
learning that values both student exploration and
direct teaching. The overarching goal of this
approach is to foster collaboration and thoughtful
interactions with mathematical concepts.
Benefits of Guided Discovery Approach
•  Ability to incorporate a balance between direct
instruction and inquiry-based learning.
•  Leads to higher levels of cognitive thinking and
learning.
•  Encourages development of higher-order skills
such as critical thinking, problem-solving, and
collaboration.
Benefits of Guided Discovery Approach
•  Collaboration amongst students and educators to
learn with and from each other.
•  Increased ability to think critically and problem-
solve.
•  Students may work at their own pace and
demonstrate their learning in different ways.
•  Ability to incorporate students’ interests and
accomodate for specific needs.
REFLECTION
Complete the statement.
To better teach exponent and polynomials, I should_
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APPLICATION
Prepare a Lesson Plan for your grade 7 learners
applying the concepts of guided discovery, the
use of manipulatives (algebra tiles) and the
concrete-pictorial-and symbolic approach to
teaching.