How can learners become confident and fluent with techniques such as factorising quadratics without simply ploughing through pages of exercises?
One way is to offer a scenario in which they need to construct their own quadratic equations in order to solve a bigger problem. Lots of practice happens along the way, while something a bit more interesting is going on.
Conclude the lesson with a plenary in which learners share their creations and show the different expressions that they have constructed. How did they go about it? What problems did they encounter? Could they explain to someone else how to do it?
Factorising quadratics learning objective
- Practise solving quadratic equations by factorising while working on a deeper problem
Colin Foster is a Senior Research Fellow in the School of Education at the University of Nottingham, and writes books for mathematics teachers. Browse more factoring quadratics worksheets and more KS4 maths lesson plans from Colin Foster.
Similar resources
- Migration data – KS3/4 cross-curricular refugee plan
- Prime factoring worksheet – Spot Clumsy Clive’s mistakes
- LCM and HCF – Batman’s dilemmas PowerPoint for KS3/4
- Algebraic fractions – Worksheet for KS3 and GCSE maths
- GCSE maths revision worksheets – 90+ free sheets with answers (Foundation & Higher)
