Myths about teaching can hold you back
- Year 10•
- Higher
Factorising using the difference of two squares
I can factorise quadratics of the form x^2 + bx + c including using the difference of two squares.
- Year 10•
- Higher
Factorising using the difference of two squares
I can factorise quadratics of the form x^2 + bx + c including using the difference of two squares.
Lesson details
Key learning points
- When the coefficient of the x term is zero, you may still be able to factorise.
- There is a structure to the quadratic expressions that can be factorised if there is no x term.
- The same area model can be used to explore this structure.
Keywords
Factorise - To factorise is to express a term as the product of its factors.
Quadratic - A quadratic is an equation, graph, or sequence whereby the highest exponent of the variable is 2
Absolute value - The absolute value of a number is its distance from zero.
Common misconception
Once shown the difference of two squares, pupils may think that squaring each term in a binomial is the correct way to expand binomials such as (x+3)^2
Spend time investigating where the difference of two squares occurs, use representations such as algebra tiles and area models.
To help you plan your year 10 maths lesson on: Factorising using the difference of two squares, download all teaching resources for free and adapt to suit your pupils' needs...
To help you plan your year 10 maths lesson on: Factorising using the difference of two squares, download all teaching resources for free and adapt to suit your pupils' needs.
The starter quiz will activate and check your pupils' prior knowledge, with versions available both with and without answers in PDF format.
We use learning cycles to break down learning into key concepts or ideas linked to the learning outcome. Each learning cycle features explanations with checks for understanding and practice tasks with feedback. All of this is found in our slide decks, ready for you to download and edit. The practice tasks are also available as printable worksheets and some lessons have additional materials with extra material you might need for teaching the lesson.
The assessment exit quiz will test your pupils' understanding of the key learning points.
Our video is a tool for planning, showing how other teachers might teach the lesson, offering helpful tips, modelled explanations and inspiration for your own delivery in the classroom. Plus, you can set it as homework or revision for pupils and keep their learning on track by sharing an online pupil version of this lesson.
Explore more key stage 4 maths lessons from the Algebraic manipulation unit, dive into the full secondary maths curriculum, or learn more about lesson planning.