Topic
How can I help my students better understand exponents and their properties when simplifying exponential expressions?
- Student's lacked a conceptual understanding of exponents.
- They remembered the 'rules' they were taught in middle school but many students used them incorrectly.
- Students need an understanding of exponents because they are used in many other math classes after Algebra 1.
- Applications of exponents include exponential growth and decay, calculating volumes and areas, and using scientific notation when dealing with very small or very large numbers.
- Common Core State Standards address exponents in various levels of math from middle school through high school. In addition, many of the Common Core Standards for Mathematical Practice lend themselves to understanding exponents and simplifying exponential expressions.
Learning Goals
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