Quadratics Part 2- Dimensions!

Now that you are experts at creating the rectangles, let's talk about what they mean!

The image below shows the same key that we used to figure out what tiles we need to make the rectangle shape.

Key:

We all agree that x^2 tells me the number of big squares, x tells me the number of rods and 1 tells me the number of small squares. But, now we need to take it to the next level.

Let's talk about the dimensions of each shape.

The large square (x^2) has a length of x and a width of x, as shown below. To find the area, we multiply length (x) times width (x). Here, the area is x times x = x^2. The side lengths are x and x.

The rod (x) has a length of x and a width of 1. We know the length is the same as the big squares because it's the same length. To find the area, we would multiply length (x) by width (1). Here, the area is x times 1 = x. The side lengths are x and 1.

The small square (1) has a length of 1 and a width of 1. We know the length and width are the same as the rod's width, because it's the same length. To find the area, we would multiply length (1) by width (1). Here, the area is 1 times 1 = 1. The side lengths are 1 and 1.