0 Algebra 2 INB Pages - Exponential Functions, Exponent Rules, and Factoring

Unit 3 was a weird one for Algebra 2.  I wanted to cover exponential functions right after linear functions to see if teaching y=a+bx actually helped my students to graph y=a(b)^x.  I also needed to review exponent rules with my students before we could move onto quadratic functions, radical functions, or logarithmic functions.  And, I also needed to make sure that my students were solid on the distributive property, combining like terms, and factoring before we got any further into the semester.  So, I sort of combined all of these into a hodgepodge Unit 3.  

Unit 3 Table of Contents - I apologize for the fact that this was not up-to-date when I took the picture.  Oops...

Exponential Functions Frayer Model

Exponent Rules

Ms. Hagan's Book of Exponent Rules worked so well with my Algebra 1 students that I decided to try it out with my Algebra 2 students.  

Parts of a Power and Unwritten Exponents

Exponent Rules for Like Bases

Negative and Zero Exponents

You can read more details about how I taught exponent rules in this post.

Naming Polynomials Graphic Organizer

Combining Like Terms and the Distributive Property Foldable - Outside

Combining Like Terms and The Distributive Property Foldable - Inside

Introduction to Factoring Notes

If/when I ever do this again, I will type up the polynomials that are written in marker.  Students will have to cut them out and decide if they are the factored version or the distributed version.  Students will glue them in the appropriate places on the table and then come up with the corresponding version.

I used the same factoring graphic organizers with my Algebra 2 kiddos that I used with my Algebra 1 kids.  You can read more about my approach to factoring this year here.

Factoring Quadratic Trinomials when a=1

Factoring Quadratic Trinomials when a>1

Factoring Difference of Squares

We closed out the unit with an exponential growth and decay of skittles lab, but that will have to be another post for another day!

PDF Templates to Download:

Unit Table of Contents (PDF)



Blank Frayer Models (PDF)



Naming Polynomials Graphic Organizer (PDF)



Factoring Quadratic Trinomials (a=1) Graphic Organizer (PDF)



Factoring Quadratic Trinomials (a>1) Graphic Organizer (PDF)



Factoring Difference of Squares Graphic Organizer (PDF)