Algebra 1 Lesson

From Classifying to Computing: Adding & Subtracting Polynomials

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9th GradeBuilding Thinking Classrooms50 min

Learning Objective

Students will classify polynomials by degree and number of terms, and add and subtract polynomial expressions by identifying and combining like terms.

Lesson Overview

Students begin by rapidly activating prior vocabulary for classifying polynomials, then transition into discovering how to add and subtract polynomials by combining like terms — progressing from simple binomials to multi-term expressions requiring distribution of a negative.

Materials

Vertical whiteboards or chart paper taped to walls
Dry-erase markers (at least 2 colors per group)
Erasers or paper towels
Random grouping cards (playing cards or numbered slips)
Printed reference strip: polynomial classification chart (one per student, added at consolidation)

Scaffolded Task Progression

1Task 1

Classify each polynomial by degree and number of terms. Write the name on your board.
a)

6 x^{2}

3 x - 8

x^{3} + 4 x^{2} - 5

- 9

2Task 2

Add the two polynomials. Write your answer in standard form and classify it.

(3 x + 5) + (2 x + 1)

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