Math 9- Equivelent Expressions

Equivelent Expressions can be modeled out in many ways, including algebra tiles. Algebra tiles are a hands on way to sort and simplify algebraic expressions. One way to show

+ 3x – 2 –  + 1x – 7x is to use the algebra tiles as shown below. The large squares each represent an  , while the rectangles indicate ‘x’ and the smaller cubes show a whole number, like 2 or -7. A disadvantage of using algebra tiles is that it takes a lot of time to model out the question, get zero pairs, and see what is left for the answer. If the question involves large numbers, it is wise to not use the algebra tiles. There are 2 sides to algebra tiles, the front side has the text on it, and is colored, meaning that the tile is positive. If the tile is facedown, no color, and no text seen, that means that it is negative.

First, you lay out all the parts of the expression in tile form.

Next, you have to simplify, and put all the like terms together in order for greatest to least value, from left to right.

And last, you find the zero pairs, and take those out, and what is left is your answer. In this case, my answer would be -4x + -1

The next expression is  + 4x +3 –  – 3 + 2x =  + 6x