Power of visual representations

We are continuing to link algebraic and visual representations of exponents in grade 9. Today we branched out into (x+y)^2.

We used the skewers as y and the toothpicks as x. We built a square with dimensions (x+y) and then showed that the area contained is the same as x^2+2xy+y^2. We see the large and small squares, and the two xy rectangles on the sides.