Teacher Resource Page
Math A

Using Algebra Tiles to Solve Equations

 

You will find the use of algebra tiles suggested in a number of the teacher resource pages. 

 

If you have never used algebra tiles with students, you may be amazed at how quickly some of them can manipulate these tiles to factor quadratic trinomials.

 

For information on making class sets of algebra tiles, click the link below

 

Example

Solve for all values of x:      x2+5x+6=0   

You might want to review with the students what each tile represents.

 

Then have students choose the right tiles to match the equation.

     X2    +     5x      +    6

 

 

Have students arrange the tiles so that the sides of the blocks match up, forming a rectangle.  All lines within the grid must be straight and no empty spaces are allowed.

Now, all students need to do is read the measurements from the sides of the tiles.  These are the factors of the given trinomial. 

 

 


   Murray