Grid Learning System (GLS)
Polynomials & Rational Functions
Challenge
An Interactive Pre-calculus Puzzle Quest in Degree, End
Behavior & Function Evaluation
Algebra 2 & Pre-calculus
Page 1 Protymera
, Grid Learning System (GLS)
WHAT YOU WILL LEARN
▸ Recognize and define core polynomial vocabulary, including degree, coefficient, and
classification by number of terms.
▸ Explain how a polynomial's degree and leading coefficient determine its end behavior,
and how root multiplicity affects whether the graph crosses or touches the x-axis.
▸ Define key rational-function vocabulary, including restrictions, holes, and asymptotes.
▸ Classify polynomial functions by degree - linear, quadratic, cubic, or quartic.
▸ Use elimination reasoning to determine unknown polynomial function assignments
from indirect clues about degree and end behavior.
▸ Recognize the doubling pattern in the sum of the coefficients of (x+1)n as n increases
by 1.
▸ Evaluate polynomial and rational functions at a given input value.
HOW TO PLAY - YOUR PUZZLE JOURNEY
This template takes you through seven learning puzzles built around the same topic, each
one built around a different way of thinking - recognizing, connecting, retrieving,
distinguishing, deducing, organizing, and applying - plus a dedicated Bonus Challenge
Page with three tiered challenges.
Every puzzle also includes its own Concept Check - a short reflection question that goes
one step beyond the grid itself. Every answer is collected together near the end so you (or
a parent or teacher) can check the work.
1 WORD SEARCH - Recognize: Find every key term hidden in the grid.
2 CONCEPT MAP - Connect: Fill in how key terms relate to one another.
3 CROSSWORD - Retrieve: Use the clues to spell out each key term correctly.
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, Grid Learning System (GLS)
4 SORT & CLASSIFY - Distinguish: Place each item into its correct category.
5 LOGIC GRID - Deduce: Use the clues to match each entity correctly.
SEQUENCE & PATTERN - Organize: Put the sequence in order and explain
6
the rule.
CODEBREAKER - Apply: Use the Code Key to answer each question and
7
reveal the hidden message.
BONUS CHALLENGE PAGE - Transfer: Complete three tiered challenges of
8
increasing depth.
Page 3 Protymera
, Grid Learning System (GLS)
POLYNOMIAL VOCABULARY UNLOCK - PUZZLE 1 OF 7: WORD SEARCH
Puzzle Focus: This warm-up reinforces the core vocabulary of polynomials - degree,
coefficient, root, and more - the language you'll need to classify and analyze polynomial
functions.
Find every item from the bank below - it may run across, down, or diagonally.
C K T N T O O R X T P P P
O W J L D E G R E E E O A
E O H U B G Z K L F L L E
F U M U T P J A S Y A L L
F F P X P W I N N I C L B
I U E T F M V O M O A C A
C D W X O A M O N I E R I
I C C N L I N S M S N E R
E K I L A O T O Q E I M A
N B X L M A N R V H U R V
T I J L N I F R V T D E K
L U U T R I D R O Z O T O
V R D T C L O Q I Z H M U
Page 4 Protymera
Polynomials & Rational Functions
Challenge
An Interactive Pre-calculus Puzzle Quest in Degree, End
Behavior & Function Evaluation
Algebra 2 & Pre-calculus
Page 1 Protymera
, Grid Learning System (GLS)
WHAT YOU WILL LEARN
▸ Recognize and define core polynomial vocabulary, including degree, coefficient, and
classification by number of terms.
▸ Explain how a polynomial's degree and leading coefficient determine its end behavior,
and how root multiplicity affects whether the graph crosses or touches the x-axis.
▸ Define key rational-function vocabulary, including restrictions, holes, and asymptotes.
▸ Classify polynomial functions by degree - linear, quadratic, cubic, or quartic.
▸ Use elimination reasoning to determine unknown polynomial function assignments
from indirect clues about degree and end behavior.
▸ Recognize the doubling pattern in the sum of the coefficients of (x+1)n as n increases
by 1.
▸ Evaluate polynomial and rational functions at a given input value.
HOW TO PLAY - YOUR PUZZLE JOURNEY
This template takes you through seven learning puzzles built around the same topic, each
one built around a different way of thinking - recognizing, connecting, retrieving,
distinguishing, deducing, organizing, and applying - plus a dedicated Bonus Challenge
Page with three tiered challenges.
Every puzzle also includes its own Concept Check - a short reflection question that goes
one step beyond the grid itself. Every answer is collected together near the end so you (or
a parent or teacher) can check the work.
1 WORD SEARCH - Recognize: Find every key term hidden in the grid.
2 CONCEPT MAP - Connect: Fill in how key terms relate to one another.
3 CROSSWORD - Retrieve: Use the clues to spell out each key term correctly.
Page 2 Protymera
, Grid Learning System (GLS)
4 SORT & CLASSIFY - Distinguish: Place each item into its correct category.
5 LOGIC GRID - Deduce: Use the clues to match each entity correctly.
SEQUENCE & PATTERN - Organize: Put the sequence in order and explain
6
the rule.
CODEBREAKER - Apply: Use the Code Key to answer each question and
7
reveal the hidden message.
BONUS CHALLENGE PAGE - Transfer: Complete three tiered challenges of
8
increasing depth.
Page 3 Protymera
, Grid Learning System (GLS)
POLYNOMIAL VOCABULARY UNLOCK - PUZZLE 1 OF 7: WORD SEARCH
Puzzle Focus: This warm-up reinforces the core vocabulary of polynomials - degree,
coefficient, root, and more - the language you'll need to classify and analyze polynomial
functions.
Find every item from the bank below - it may run across, down, or diagonally.
C K T N T O O R X T P P P
O W J L D E G R E E E O A
E O H U B G Z K L F L L E
F U M U T P J A S Y A L L
F F P X P W I N N I C L B
I U E T F M V O M O A C A
C D W X O A M O N I E R I
I C C N L I N S M S N E R
E K I L A O T O Q E I M A
N B X L M A N R V H U R V
T I J L N I F R V T D E K
L U U T R I D R O Z O T O
V R D T C L O Q I Z H M U
Page 4 Protymera
