Lesson 2: Simplifying Radical Expressions
Duration of Days: 3
Lesson Objective
Students will simplify radical expressions by factoring out perfect squares.
• How do we simplify radicals?
• What perfect squares can we factor out?
• Why does this work?
• When is a radical fully simplified?
Simplify, perfect square, factor, radicand, simplified form
CCSS.MATH.9.A.REI.A.2
Description: Students learn to simplify radicals by factoring out perfect squares. For example, v12 = v(4 × 3) = 2v3. Using factor trees and perfect square lists, they systematically simplify radicals. Purpose: To develop procedural fluency in simplifying radicals and deepen understanding of factoring. DOK Level: 2-3 (Application)
• Factor trees: Visual tool to identify perfect square factors
• For struggling learners: Simplify radicals with only one perfect square factor
• For advanced learners: Simplify radicals with multiple perfect square factors
• Perfect square list: Provide reference of perfect squares to 144
• Observation: Can students identify perfect square factors?
• Worksheet: Simplify 6 radical expressions
• Factor tree task: Use factor trees to simplify
• Check-your-work: Verify by squaring the simplified form