Using Algebra Tiles to Help
Solve Equations
 Topic Index | Algebra Index | Regents Exam Prep Center

 

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 a class set of algebra tiles, check the teacher resource section.

 

 

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.