Solving Quadratic Equations by Factoring -"Hidden Constellations" Group Activity

This group activity practices solving quadratic equations by factoring. The half of the quadratic equations are in standard form and the other half of them have terms on both sides. The accent is put on finding a common root between two and more equations. The fun part is finding out the configurations of two hidden constellations.

Activity Directions: Students will each have their own set of two groups of seven equations. The first group of equations are labeled with big Latin letters and the second group – with small Latin letters. All the equations with one and the same letter have a common root. Partners solve, compare their answers and determine the common root for each group of equations. They record their answers in a table provided on a group response sheet and mark the common root between equations A, then – between equations B and etc.

Students are also given a figure with circled numbers called “stars”. Some of these “stars” form configurations of two constellations. The “stars” of the first constellation are numbered with the values of common roots of the equations, labeled with big Latin letters. Respectively, the “stars” of the second constellation are numbered with the values of the common roots of the equations, labeled with small Latin letters. Once students have determined the common roots, they look for their values on the figure and connect the stars with straight lines in a given order so they can find the configurations of the two hidden constellations. At last partners try to identify which are the constellations (Ursa Major and Ursa Minor).

Recording worksheets are provided for students to show work. All answer keys are included as well.

THIS ACTIVITY CAN BE DIVIDED INTO TWO PARTS!