Algebra Tile - Uses - Solving Linear Equations

Solving Linear Equations

Manipulating algebra tiles can help students solve linear equations. In order to solve a problem like you would first place one x tile and six negative unit tiles in one group and then two positive unit tiles in another. You would then want to isolate the x tile by adding six positive unit tiles to each group, since whatever you do to one side has to be done to the other or they would not be equal anymore. This would create six zero pairs in the group with the x tile and then there would be eight positive unit tiles in the other group. this would mean that . You can also use the subtraction property of equality to solve your linear equation with algebra tiles. If you have the equation, then you can add seven negative unit tiles to both sides and create zero pairs, which is the same as subtracting seven. Once the seven unit tiles are subtracted from both sides you find that your answer is . There are programs online that allow students to create their own linear equations and manipulate the algebra tiles to solve the problem. Solving Linear Equations Program This video from TeacherTube also demonstrates how algebra tiles can be used to solve linear equations. Teacher Tube Solving Equations