Year 10 - Maths
The distributive law with two or more binomials
Surds
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This pupil-friendly study guide includes a unit summary, clear notes, common mistakes, and quick questions with answers.
Unit Summary
In this unit pupils will learn how to recognise surds, handle them in calculations and rationalise fractions with surds as denominators.
Lesson Summary
You will learn to apply the distributive law to two or more binomials.
Key Notes
- The distributive law can be used with expressions containing surds.
- This can be extended to finding the product of two or more binomials.
- Any binomial could contain surd terms.
Vocabulary To Learn
- Distributive law: The distributive law says that multiplying a sum is the same as multiplying each addend and summing the result.
Common Mistakes To Avoid
- Pupils may suggest using FOIL (or similar) to expand both brackets and make errors whilst doing so.
3 Quick Questions (With Answers)
1. Solve this in steps: explain the method from this lesson and why each step matters.
The distributive law can be used with expressions containing surds. This can be extended to finding the product of two or more binomials.
2. Use this key word in a maths sentence and explain it clearly. 'Distributive law'
The distributive law says that multiplying a sum is the same as multiplying each addend and summing the result. Use this word when showing your method, then check your final answer is reasonable.
3. Spot and fix this common maths mistake.
Mistake: Pupils may suggest using FOIL (or similar) to expand both brackets and make errors whilst doing so. Correction: The grid method is derived from the area model and therefore the area model supports expanding both one binomial and two binomials.
More Lessons In This Unit
- Accuracy of final answers Study Guide
- Addition with surds Study Guide
- Applying the underlying structure of multiplication and division of surds Study Guide
- Identifying square factors to support simplifying surds Study Guide
- Multiplication of surds Study Guide
- Problem solving with surds Study Guide
- Rationalising a single term denominator Study Guide
- Rationalising a two term denominator Study Guide
- Simplifying surds Study Guide
- Solving equations with surds Study Guide
- The distributive law with surds Study Guide
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