Simplifying Rational Functions: The Row Game

Why do students hate factoring so much? What is it that makes them swear they've never done it before? We, as educators of Math 3 (or Algebra 2), know they've been factoring for years! Alas, here comes the lesson on simplifying rational expressions. And how does this happen? By factoring, of course.

Now, I don't have any magic tricks for teaching factoring, but I do take the approach of "slow and steady/baby steps". And while some days I give an exit slip to check progress, I would prefer some sort of an activity. Enter: The Row Game. You can pretty much use this method of formative feedback for any math lesson, but using it for simplifying rational expressions is one of my favorites.

The instructions for row games look like this: Person A solves the problems in column A, while Person B solves the problems in column B. As you finish each problem, check your answer with the other person. The answers should be the same! If they are not, work together to find your mistake.

Kate Nowak has shared many of these games in her blog under "Row Games Galore". Thanks for sharing, Kate- you're a genius!

I loved this activity and was able to walk around and help students get past that "I hate factoring" phase and into the "this doesn't suck" phase.

~SSB

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