Question

Which model represents the factors of 4x2 – 9?

An algebra tile configuration. 5 tiles are in the Factor 1 spot: 2 +x , 3 negative. 5 tiles are in the Factor 2 spot: 2 +x, 3 negative. 25 tiles are in the Product spot in 5 columns with 5 rows. First row: 2 + x squared, 3 negative x. Second row: 2 + x squared, 3 negative x. The last 3 rows are the same: 2 negative x, 3 negative.
An algebra tile configuration. 5 tiles are in the Factor 1 spot: 2 +x , 3 +. 5 tiles are in the Factor 2 spot: 2 +x, 3 +. 25 tiles are in the Product spot in 5 columns with 5 rows. First row: 2 + x squared, 3 + x. Second row: 2 + x squared, 3 negative x. The last 3 rows are the same: 1 + x, 1 negative x, 3 negative.
An algebra tile configuration. 5 tiles are in the Factor 1 spot: 2 +x , 3 +. 5 tiles are in the Factor 2 spot: 2 +x, 3 negative. 25 tiles are in the Product spot in 5 columns with 5 rows. First row: 2 + x squared, 3 + x. Second row: 2 + x squared, 3 + x. The last 3 rows are the same: 2 negative x, 3 negative.
An algebra tile configuration. 5 tiles are in the Factor 1 spot: 2 +x , 3 +. 5 tiles are in the Factor 2 spot: 2 +x, 3 +. 25 tiles are in the Product spot in 5 columns with 5 rows. First row: 2 + x squared, 3 + x. Second row: 2 + x squared, 3 negative x. The last 3 rows are the same: 1 + x, 2 negative x, 3 +.

Answer 1

Option 3.

Reason: 4x^2 − 9 = (2x + 3)(2x − 3). Option 3 is the only model that shows one factor with 2 positive x-tiles and +3 unit tiles and the other with 2 positive x-tiles and −3 unit tiles, which matches (2x+3)(2x−3).