Explain how algebra tiles represent like terms and zero pairs.

Answer 1

Algebra tiles are physical manipulatives used to help students visualize and understand algebraic concepts. They are typically made of plastic and come in a variety of shapes and colors. Like terms are terms that have the same variables and exponents. Algebra tiles can be used to represent like terms by using the same color and shape of tile. For example, two red squares can represent two like terms such as x2 and x2. Zero pairs are two tiles that when combined, equal zero. Algebra tiles can be used to represent zero pairs by combining two tiles of opposite signs. For example, a red square and a blue square can represent a zero pair such as x2 and -x2.