Module 3: Operations on Polynomials

Operations on Polynomials Essay

During this module, you learned how to add, subtract, multiply, divide, and factor polynomials. You also learned how to use the graphing calculator to verify the factors of a polynomial. For this assignment, you will write an essay that explains how to perform all of the operations on polynomials that you explored during this module. As you write your essay, make sure to answer the following questions:

• What is a polynomial?
• How can you write a polynomial in standard form?
• How can you add and subtract polynomials?
• How can you use algebra tiles to model the addition and subtraction of polynomials?
• How can you multiply and divide polynomials?
• How can you use algebra tiles to model the multiplication and division of polynomials?
• What does it mean to “factor a polynomial completely?”
• How can you factor binomials and trinomials in one variable?
• How can you use the graphing calculator to factor and verify the factors of a polynomial?
• How can you use operations on polynomials to solve practical problems you encounter in real-life?

Make sure to include original examples to support your explanation. The examples that you include must be different than the problems that were presented throughout the module. Your essay must also include an introductory paragraph, body paragraphs, and a conclusion.

Before you begin, access the Operations on Polynomials Essay Rubric to make sure that you include all of the items required for full credit. You may need to use resources outside of this course to complete this assignment. If so, please submit a Works Cited document. If you need assistance, visit the Developmental Module for information on citing any resources that you used.

Reflection

After you have completed the assignment above, take a moment to reflect on the following questions. Respond to each of these questions in a brief four to five sentence paragraph.

• Did you find the use of algebra tiles helpful in understanding how to perform operations on polynomials? Why or why not?
• In this module, you learned how to factor polynomials both algebraically and graphically. Which method do you prefer? Explain.
  

 

Once you have completed the assignment and reflection, please submit your work to the dropbox.