Looking for strategies and resources to ease into simplifying roots/radicals in Algebra? Keep reading.
#1 – Your Students?
Do you find that students experience anxiety with roots/radicals in Algebra? Do some still think the radical sign is a division symbol? How many times have you seen students zone out when variables and numbers occur on inside of the radical sign? Continue reading to discover effective strategies and valuable resources for student success.
#2 – Start Simple
Firstly, start simple. Review what a square and cube root is. Next, check for student understanding by listing other examples on the board, followed by a group call-out. For example,
“What is the cube root of 343?”
Next, determine student understanding and provide a quick reference page for those who may need extra support. Below is a FREE resource.
https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/LIST-of-SQUARES-CUBES-and-ROOTS-7501778
#3 – Identify Parts
In addition, make sure students understand the vocabulary and parts of the radical sign.
#4 – Factor, Break It Up, and Take It Out
Next, students will need a quick review for factoring numbers vertically, and instruction for simplifying radicals that do not simplify into a single whole number. The following resource provides examples and practice by doing what I describe as, break it up, take it out.
- Contents:
- 1. Divisibility Rules and Factoring Review with Examples, (1 page)
- 2. Divisibility Rules and Factoring Review with Examples, (1 page)
- 3. Detailed, Color-Coded Step-by-Step Examples, (3 pages)
- 4. Two Problems per Page with Steps, (5 pages)
- 5. Six Problems per Page without Steps, (5 pages)
- 6. Step-by-Step Answers, (10 pages)
https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/How-to-EASILY-Simplify-Radicals-9764389
Conclusion
In conclusion, students can be successful with roots/radicals in Algebra when provided with instruction that progresses from simple to more complex problems and is supplemented with resources for reference and practice.
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