Lesson 6

In this lesson, students investigate two common forms that polynomials are written in, factored form and standard form, and how to identify information about the graph of the polynomial from each. Students compare each form to the graph of the polynomial in order to make connections using structure (MP7) and use precise language learned in earlier lessons (MP6) to describe functions and to discuss the similarities and differences between two polynomials whose expressions differ only by a constant multiple. This lesson lays the groundwork students will need in order to sketch graphs of polynomials expressed in any form and to understand the end behavior of functions.

One of the activities in this lesson works best when each student has access to devices that can run Desmos, because students will benefit from seeing the relationship in a dynamic way.

Devices that can run a Desmos applet are required for the digital version of the activity “Spot the Differences.” The digital version is recommended for all classes over the paper and pencil version.