Algebraic Identities

What and How: the following algebraic identities:

Quadratic: http://teachersofindia.org/en/presentation/algebraic-identities-visualized-one-more-time
Cubic:

(a + b)3: http://teachersofindia.org/en/presentation/plus-b-whole-cube-explained-visually
(a – b)3: http://teachersofindia.org/en/presentation/b3-through-models
a3 – b3: http://www.teachersofindia.org/en/presentation/cube-minus-b-cube-explained-visually
a3 + b3: http://www.teachersofindia.org/en/presentation/a3-plus-b3-explained-visually

Using algebra tiles:

(a + b)2 and related: http://teachersofindia.org/en/presentation/visual-proof-ab2-2ab-0
(a – b)2 and related: http://teachersofindia.org/en/presentation/visual-proof-a-minus-b-whole-
square
And the rest: http://www.teachersofindia.org/en/presentation/make-algebraic-proofs-visual-treat

Making:

Quadratic identities

 Lengths for quadratic model (suggested)

o a 6cm
o b 2cm make sure that b < a – b or 2b < a
o a – b 4cm
 Can be made from any box, card or poster
 2 possible layouts given

Cubic identities:

 Can use same measurement as above ensuring 2b < a

 Make each of the following cuboids using nets (indicates number of cuboids, if more than one)

a3 a2(a – b) a(a – b)2 (a – b)3 a2b (3)

b3 b2(a – b) b(a – b)2 ab(a – b) ab2 (3)

 Use posters or thick paper to make the net for each cuboid – can be made from two A3 posters
with same a, b and a – b as suggested above – layouts are given below
 Make each cuboid as follows
o Draw the net of the cuboid with flaps on alternate sides
o Cut it out carefully
o Crease each line – use scale, dried up ball point pens are very good for this
o Fold up with the flaps inside – it may not need any tape/glue

ab2 ab2 b3 b2(a – b)

a3
a2b

a2b ab2

b(a – b)2
a2b
a2(a – b)

(a – b)3

a(a – b)2

ab(a – b)