Lesson 4: Multiplying & Dividing Radicals
Duration of Days: 3
Lesson Objective
Students will multiply and divide radical expressions and rationalize denominators.
• How do we multiply radicals?
• How do we divide radicals?
• What does "rationalize the denominator" mean?
• Why do we rationalize denominators?
Multiply, divide, rationalize, denominator, product, quotient
CCSS.MATH.9.A.REI.A.2
Description: Students learn that va × vb = v(ab) and va ÷ vb = v(a/b). They practice multiplying and dividing radicals, then learn to rationalize denominators (removing radicals from the bottom of fractions). Purpose: To develop procedural fluency in radical operations. DOK Level: 2-3 (Application)
• For struggling learners: Multiply/divide simple radicals without rationalization first
• For advanced learners: Include rationalization and simplification
• Step-by-step cards: Provide rationalization steps visually
• Anchor chart: Display multiplication and division rules
• Observation: Do students apply multiplication/division rules correctly?
• Worksheet: Multiply/divide 4 radical expressions
• Rationalization task: Rationalize 3 denominators
• Check-your-work: Verify using decimal approximations
• Radical multiplication/division rule posters
• Rationalization step-by-step guides
• Practice worksheets
• Verification using calculators
• Resource: Khan Academy "Multiplying & Dividing Radicals" (adapted)