From: Terry Rice <trice2@twcny.rr.com>
To: Teacher2Teacher Public Discussion
Date: 2001092607:32:24
Subject: factoring trinomials

	
I am very disturbed to read some of the methods submitted for
factoring trinomials with a leading coefficient greater than 1.  Kelly
Stone writes about the illegal move and Martha Kumler writes about the
same method.  There is an enormous problem with these postings.  Yes,
the method works, however, it is NOT mathematically accurate.  Tricks
do not promote understanding and when we "teach" an unsound method we
do more damage than good.  I am very upset that we are posting unsound
practices as "good" teaching techniques.

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