1

2
ALGEBRA TILES
Rachel Magnuson

3
By the end of this Show, youll
be able to. . .
Define and explain algebra tiles
Be able to use algebra tiles to factor
Show how algebra tiles can model
polynomials
Be able to add and subtract polynomials
using algebra tiles
4
They are inexpensive and widespread
They also make it possible to do the
activities that are needed to introduce
and explain the distributive law and
factoring
Provide a useful way to introduce
operations on polynomials
Work extremely well with all ages
5
What are Algebra Tiles?
How do they work?
6
Algebra Tiles are manipulatives with which you can
represent polynomials and perform polynomial
operations, such as adding subtracting, multiplying,
and dividing.
Each tile represents a specific monomial.
Algebra tiles work by the concept that every
rectangle has a length, width, and area. The lengths
and the widths are the lengths of the sides of the
rectangle in some unit. We will be working with unit
x. The area is how many squares of that unit it takes
to cover the rectangle.

7
Nomials
Monomial A mathematic expression
consisting of a single term. Examples: X, 2Y
Binomial A mathematic expression consisting
of 2 terms connected by a plus or minus sign.
Examples: 2X+4, 4Y-2
Polynomial A mathematical expression of
one or more algebraic terms of which consists
of a constant multiplier by one or more
variables raise to a non-negative power.
Example: 3X
2
+4x+5
Trinomial A polynomial of 3 terms. Example:
2X+4Y-Z
8
Algebra Tiles can be key in
understanding factoring.
Lets take a look at factoring.
9
Key Points
You can think of factoring as the reverse of
First Outside Inside Last (FOIL)
Factoring is used to break down or factor a
quadratic or higher order equation
You can check your factors by using FOIL to
determine if you get the original equation
back
10
3 monomials well be working with
Large Square

X
2

11
Rectangle

X
12
Small Square

1
13
14
Large Squares

These are the blocks that
will be known as x
2
. These
blocks appear as blue
when positive and red
when negative



15
Rectangles

The rectangular blocks
that are as long as the
square blocks but not as
tall are known as x. These
blocks appear as green
when positive and red
when negative.


16
Small Squares
The very small squares
are constant terms. They
look like the blocks that
you probably used in
addition and
subtraction. They are
numbers like 5, 7 ,9,
etc. These blocks appear
as yellow when positive
and red when negative.


17
Some Area Examples


5 4
7 9


7

7


(5 x 7)
35
(4 x 9)
36
(7 x 7)
49
18
Now, lets change the numbers in the previous
rectangles to algebraic variables.

A
Y
X B



X


X
(Y x X)
XY
(B x A)
AB
(X x X)
X
2

19
Algebra Tiles
Algebra Tiles are a geometric way to factor. Each size and shape tile has a
specific value. This value is determined by the size of each side of a
rectangle or square. If you recall, the area of a rectangle is length * width,
the area of a square is side * side or s
2.

x
x
x
2

1
x
x
1
1
1
x
-x -x
2

1
-x -x
1
-1 -1
20
Examples of tiles used to represent equations such
as the following:

2 3
2
x x
2 5 2
2
x x
1 x
2
s

3 xs
2 1s
2 x
2
s
5 xs
2 1s
21
In some cases, you can combine these shapes to
form perfect rectangles or squares. Here
are two examples:
2 3
2
x x
2 5 2
2
x x
22
Now lets try factoring these equations that are formed
into rectangles. The first two examples will be done for
you.
2 x 2 x
1

x
1
2

x
) 2 )( 1 ( x x
) 2 )( 1 2 ( x x
23
Resources
Learning about Algebra Tiles
Examples using Algebra Tiles
Everything you need to know
Play with Algebra Tiles online
Make your own Algebra Tiles