Lesson 3

Squares and Equations

These materials, when encountered before Algebra 1, Unit 7, Lesson 3 support success in that lesson.

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Lesson Narrative

In this lesson, students solve basic quadratic equations using inspection and concrete examples. In the associated Algebra 1 lesson, students solve similar equations with less aid. Providing students the concrete examples of area of squares and a list of possible solutions, students can begin to see patterns in the solutions so that they may more easily solve basic quadratic equations by inspection later. Students look for and make use of structure (MP7) when they encounter expressions such as \(x+2\) and treat it as one quantity.


Learning Goals

Teacher Facing

  • Recall that a negative number squared is positive
  • Use geometric diagrams to reason about quadratic equations and number of solutions

Student Facing

  • Let’s explore squares

CCSS Standards

Building Towards

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