Step 9 Objective

Square a linear expression, expand the product of two linear expressions of the form x ± n and simplify the corresponding quadratic expression.


What if pupils find this a barrier?

Use the grid method of multiplication as a model for the product of two linear expressions (see FTM(S)Y789 p. 105 - Acrobat pdf document (24Kb) and FTM(S)Y789 p. 119 - Acrobat pdf document (68Kb)).

Ensure that pupils make links with more efficient written methods.

Give pupils a selection of expressions that are typically causing problems (negative values, coefficients other than 1, non-standard presentation, etc.). Ask pupils to classify the problems and work on strategies to overcome them.