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Solving Equations with Algebra Tiles: The basics. For the equations we will solve, we will use 2 types of algebra tiles. Each small square is a unit tile. A single yellow, or unshaded, unit tile represents the number 1. A single red, or shaded, unit tile represents the number -1.
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Solving Equations with Algebra Tiles: The basics
For the equations we will solve, we will use 2 types of algebra tiles. Each small square is a unit tile. A single yellow, or unshaded, unit tile represents the number 1. A single red, or shaded, unit tile represents the number -1. Each rectangle is an x-bar,or a variable bar. A single green, or unshaded, x-bar represents 1x. A single red, or shaded, x-bar represents -1x.
Two main ideas that you need for solving equations The goal of solving equations: To get one x alone on one side of the equation. The rule for solving equations: Do the same thing to both sides of the equation.
Let’s model the basic equation… x + 2 = 7 Remember, our goal is to get one x alone, and we must do the exact same thing to both sides of the equation . x + 2 = 7 To get the x bar alone, take 2 units from each side. The x bar that remains balances with 5 units. X = 5
Let’s try another basic equation… 3x = 15 3x = 15 To get x alone, we must do the exact same thing to both sides of the equation . We cannot take anything away, since we couldn’t take the same things from both sides. To get each x bar alone, split both sides into 3 groups. In each group, 1 x-bar balances with 5 units. X = 5
Now let’s try… 2x + 1 = 7 2x + 1 = 7 Take 1 unit from each side to get the x term alone. Split both sides into 2 groups to get each x alone. In each group, 1 x bar balances with three units. X = 3
One more…. 11 = 4x + 7 11 = 4x + 7 Take 7 units from each side to get the x term alone. Split both sides into 4 groups to get each x alone. In each group, 1 x bar balances with 1 unit. 1 = x