How to Solve Equations Using Algebra Tiles

Using algebra tiles to model algebraic equations in a visual way can help students better understand and grasp what they need to do to determine the solution to an equation. A small square tile represents 1 or –1, depending on its colour, and a long rectangular tile represents a variable or its opposite. Whether you have a set of concrete tiles or a printable or digital version, it’s worth noting that a rectangular x-tile is never exactly four or five or six of the square integer tiles. It’s always a little off and that’s meant to help students focus on the fact that it really is a variable — we don’t know how much it is based on its appearance. Watch the video to learn more about how to use these handy manipulatives to solve for x.