Algebra Tiles

Pronunciation: /ˈæl.dʒə.brə taɪlz/ Explain

Algebra tiles are square and rectangular tiles used to represent algebraic principles. The small square tiles represent an area of 1. The small square tiles are unitary; the small tiles define one square unit.

The rectangular tiles represent and area of x. The short side has a length of 1, and the long side has a length of x. Using the formula for the area of a rectangle (A = l·w), A = 1·x = x, the area of a rectangular tile is x.

The large square tiles represent an area of x². Each side has a length of x. Using the formula for the area of a square (A = s²), A = x². The area of the large square tiles is x².

Dynamic Algebra Tiles

Manipulative 1 shows dynamic algebra tiles representing .

Click on the blue point and drag it to change the figure. Examine the manipulative to see how algebra tiles work.

Manipulative 1 - Algebra Tiles Created with GeoGebra.

References

1. McAdams, David E.. All Math Words Dictionary, algebra tile. 2nd Classroom edition 20150108-4799968. pg 13. Life is a Story Problem LLC. January 8, 2015. Buy the book

More Information

• Algebra Tiles. mathbits.com. Math Bits. Frederick and Donna Roberts. 6/19/2018. http://mathbits.com/MathBits/AlgebraTiles/IntroductionPage.pdf.

Educator Resources

• McAdams, David E.. Algebra Tiles. www.lifeisastoryproblem.com. 11/11/2009. http://www.lifeisastoryproblem.com/algebra/algebratiles.pdf.

Cite this article as:

McAdams, David E. Algebra Tiles. 4/12/2019. All Math Words Encyclopedia. Life is a Story Problem LLC. https://www.allmathwords.org/en/a/algebratiles.html.

Image Credits

• All images and manipulatives are by David McAdams unless otherwise stated. All images by David McAdams are Copyright © Life is a Story Problem LLC and are licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-ShareAlike 4.0 International License.

Revision History

4/12/2019: Changed equations and expressions to new format. (McAdams, David E.)
12/21/2018: Reviewed and corrected IPA pronunication. (McAdams, David E.)
6/13/2018: Removed broken links, changed Geogebra links to work with Geogebra 5, updated license, implemented new markup. (McAdams, David E.)
5/5/2011: Initial version. (McAdams, David E.)