Lesson Plan - Mobile Learning Angela Clark

Using the Fundamental Theorem of Algebra

11th Grade Algebra II

Standards

MGSE9-12.N.CN.9 Use the Fundamental Theorem of Algebra to find all roots of a polynomial
equation.

MGSE9-12.A.SSE.1a Interpret parts of an expression, such as terms, factors, and coefficients, in

context.

MGSE9-12.F.IF.7 Graph functions expressed algebraically and show key features of the graph
both by hand and by using technology. (Limit to polynomial functions.)

MGSE9-12.F.IF.7c Graph polynomial functions, identifying zeros when suitable factorizations

are available, and showing end behavior.

Objectives:

1. Use the fundamental theorem of algebra to determine the number of zeros of a

polynomial.
2. Use technology to approximate the zeros of a polynomial function.

**The revised lesson that includes the apps is in bold.

Warmup Students will use their mobile devices to answer the SAT question of the day.
The app is Ready4 SAT (Prep4 SAT). The 11th graders will start taking SAT soon.
This is a great way to keep it in front of them. This will also save paper in the long
run. Our school is struggling with paper shortages.

Lesson The last lesson covered the Rational Zero Theorem which showed all the possible real
zeros of a polynomial function. In this lesson, students will use the graphing calculator to help
get started in finding all the zeros.
Teacher will write the Fundamental Theorem on board and explain it. The Fundamental
Theorem of algebra states that every non-constant single-variable polynomial with complex
coefficients has at least one complex root. This includes polynomials with real coefficients, since
every real number is a complex number with an imaginary part equal to zero.
5 4 2
Teacher will have students find all the zeros of f ( x )=x 2 x +8 x 13 x+ 6 . Teacher will
ask the students how many zeros this function has. We will first use Rational Zero Theorem. As
a class we will find a zero and test in using synthetic division. If it works, we will continue
finding other zeros. We will keep breaking it down until we get to a quadratic function. We will
then use quadratic formula to find the rest. The last two zeros we find will be imaginary
numbers. Students will use the app Geogebra Math Apps. Students will graph on this app
and find the real zero without having to use Rational Zero Theorem. The students will still
go through the process of starting with one zero and discovering the other with synthetic
division. Using the graphing calculator from Geogebra Math Apps will help with students
spending a lot of trial and error in finding a zero. This will also help because I have to
replace batteries a lot on the TI-84 calculators. We will discover that there are 3 real zeros
and 2 imaginary zeros. There is our total of five zeros.

Teacher will do another one with the class. Then class will do one on their own. Teacher will
walk around and check students work.

Next, teacher will work an example of writing a polynomial function of least degree that has real
coefficients, a leading coefficient of 1, and 2, 3 and -4 as zeros. Teacher will work another one
with students that include imaginary numbers.

Summarize: Teacher will use the Socrative app for Exit Ticket and a homework
assignment of two questions to see if students understand the material. For the Exit Ticket,
this is nice for students that do not like to speak up and are afraid to ask questions. The
assignment will be done at home and answers are sent to the teacher. This is another way
to assess for understanding.