Algebra Tiles can be used to physically model the product of two linear binomials. On the Guided Practice tab, you can choose between three different levels.
In levels 1 and 2, two binomials are randomly generated for you. Their tile representation lines the top and left side of the grid.
To multiply the two binomials, drag tiles from the Tile Bank to the inside of the grid to represent the product of the two outside tiles. Each tile should align with the length of any tiles on each of its sides.
Continue dragging tiles to the inside of the grid until all the outside tiles have been multiplied together and their product is displayed inside the grid.
If you make a mistake while modeling the product, you can drag the tiles back to the tile bank, or click “Clear” to clear the grid.
When completed, the product inside the grid should make a rectangle. Click “Check” to verify that the product is modeled correctly. Remember, each tile should align with the lengths of any tiles on each of its sides.
Once the model is correct, you will be prompted to enter the product as a polynomial. To input the polynomial, use the arrows above and below each value to numerically represent the number of the different types of tiles inside the grid.
Click “Check” again to proceed.
Click “Try Another” to try another example.
In level 2, the product of the binomials may contain negative values. These values can be represented by red negative tiles.
To multiply the two binomials, drag tiles from the Tile Bank to the inside of the grid to represent the product of the two outside tiles. Each tile should align with the length of the tiles on any of its sides. The sign of the tile is determined by the given factors.
Continue dragging tiles to the inside of the grid until all the outside tiles have been multiplied together and their product is displayed inside the grid.
When completed, the product inside the grid should make a rectangle. Click “Check” to verify that the product is modeled correctly. If you make a mistake while modeling the product, you can drag the tiles back to the tile bank, or click “Clear” to clear the grid.
To input the resulting polynomial, use the arrows above and below each value to numerically represent the value of the tiles inside the grid.
Click “Check” again to proceed.
Click “Try Another” to try another example.
In level 3, you must set up the tile representation of the binomial factors outside the grid before determining their product inside the grid.
Drag tiles from the Tile Bank to the area outside the grid.
If you make a mistake while modeling the factors, you can drag tiles back to the Tile Bank to delete them or click “Clear” to clear the outside of the grid.
Click “Check” when you have finished representing the binomials.
When the binomials are modeled correctly, you can proceed with multiplying.
In the Workspace tab, you can enter your own binomials.
Toggle the arrows above and below each value to create two binomials to multiply.
Click “Submit” when you are finished entering the binomials. If either of the binomials will not fit in the given grid an error message will appear.
Drag tiles from the Tile Bank to the area outside the grid to set up the tile representation of the binomials.
Click Check when you have finished representing the binomials.
When the binomials are modeled correctly, you can proceed with multiplying.