Vocabulary

Equation – is made up of two expressions connected by an equal sign.

Expression - a number, a variable, or a combination of numbers and variables and operation symbols.

Variable – a letter that represents an unknown number.

Algebra Tiles - mathematical manipulatives that allow students to better understand ways of algebraic thinking and the concepts of algebra.

Two-Step Equation – equation with two different operations.

Concepts

Algebra tiles can be used to represent two-step equations with integer coefficients and whole number constants.

Rules

1. Put tiles in the left side of the set to represent the numbers and/or variables on the left side of the equation. 
2. Put tiles in the right side of the set to represent the numbers and/or variables on the right side of the equation.

Example

Drag and drop the algebra tiles into the algebra mat below to model the given equation.

3x - 6 = 9

Solution

1. On the left, 3x is represented by 3 green rectangles and-6 is represented by 6 red squares.
2. On the right, 9 is represented by 9 blue squares.

Pre-requisite Skills

Solve One-Step Equations by Additon and Subtraction (7.6.1)

Solve One-Step Equations by Multipying and Dividing (7.6.2)

Solve Equations with Rational Coefficients (7.6.3)