Square numbers provide an interesting context for students to make conjectures and use algebra to prove them, says Colin Foster…
In this lesson, students examine how square numbers, and sums and differences of square numbers, relate to multiples of 4.
Modulus arithmetic is not used explicitly, but students are encouraged to make conjectures about what is possible and to prove these using simple algebra.
There are many opportunities for surprise and for students to see the power of algebra in establishing with certainty what must always happen for all numbers, no matter how large.
Download includes
- Full PDF lesson plan
- A task sheet containing empty number grids, intended to accompany the lesson
DOWNLOAD A FREE RESOURCE!
Square numbers KS4 maths lesson plan and task sheet
Similar resources
- GCSE maths revision worksheets – 90+ free sheets with answers (Foundation & Higher)
- Trigonometry in right-angled triangles – KS3 maths lesson plan
- Maths and science – How to embed maths in KS4 science
- Equivalent fractions – Card sort activity for KS2 / KS3 maths
- Sketching quadratic graphs – KS3 maths worksheet with answers
