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Algebra 1

Understanding an Area Model

Algebra 1Understanding an Area Model

Understanding an Area Model

Understanding an Area Model

Access the interactive simulator to begin this project.

In this activity, whenever you see 💬, stop and share your responses with your partner. If you have different responses, try to come to a consensus.

For questions 1 – 8, use the following instructions.

Use the simulation screen labeled “Explore”. Note you can switch between simulation screens using the toolbar located below the area model.
  1. Explain what the red and blue sliders do to the outside of the rectangle.
  2. Explain what the red and blue sliders do to the inside of the rectangle.
  3. Describe what changes and what doesn’t change when the red and blue sliders are moved. 💬
  4. Multiply 10✕15 using an area model. Find two different ways to partition the 10x15 rectangle. Use the sim to support you in filling out this table. 💬
    Problem Labeled Area Model with Partial Products List partial products and write as a sum Total area of rectangle

    10✕15

    10✕15

  5. Use the sim to model 6✕18. What is the total area of this rectangle? Represent the total area in multiple ways.
  6. In an area model, how do the partial products (interior numbers) get calculated?
  7. In an area model, what are two different ways the total area could get calculated?
  8. How do the partial products relate to the total area of the area model?
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