How do you create zero pairs using algebra tiles?

Question

Add a positive unit tile to a negative unit tile.
Add a positive unit tile to a positive unit tile.
Add a negative x-tile to a negative x-tile.
Add a negative x-tile to a positive unit tile.

Answer 1

Creating zero pairs using algebra tiles involves pairing tiles that cancel each other out. Here's how each option you provided relates to creating zero pairs:

1. Add a positive unit tile to a negative unit tile.

   • Yes, this creates a zero pair. A positive unit tile (often represented as "+1") and a negative unit tile (represented as "-1") together equal zero. They cancel each other out.

2. Add a positive unit tile to a positive unit tile.

   • No, this does not create a zero pair. Two positive unit tiles would simply increase the total positive value, resulting in "+2".

3. Add a negative x-tile to a negative x-tile.

   • No, this does not create a zero pair. Two negative x-tiles would mean you have "-x - x", which equals "-2x", and does not result in zero.

4. Add a negative x-tile to a positive unit tile.

   • No, this does not create a zero pair. A negative x-tile (such as "-x") and a positive unit tile (such as "+1") do not cancel each other out, and thus do not create zero.

In summary, the action that successfully creates a zero pair from your list is adding a positive unit tile to a negative unit tile.