Same Math › Grades 7–8 › Algebra tiles
What are algebra tiles?
Algebra tiles are shapes that stand for parts of an expression: a small square is 1, a long rectangle is x, and a big square is x². Kids build an expression like 2x + 3 + x + 1 with tiles, group the same shapes, and see it simplifies to 3x + 4.
- Long tiles are x.
- Small squares are 1.
- Only matching shapes can be combined: that's what “like terms” means.
Why schools teach it
Like terms finally make sense
Seventh graders add, subtract, expand and factor expressions like 3(x + 2) (7.EE.A.1). “Combine like terms” is just a phrase until kids see that x tiles and unit tiles are different shapes and can't be lumped together.
Tiles come in two colors, often with red for negative, so the same zero-pair idea from integer chips carries into algebra.
At the kitchen table
What to say, and what to skip
Say this
Which tiles are the same shape?
How many x tiles do you have? How many ones?
Can 3x and 4 be combined? Why not?
Different shapes.Do any tiles cancel as zero pairs?
For negatives.
Skip this
3x + 4 is 7x.
Different shapes don't combine.- Treating x² as another x.It's a big square, a different kind of term.
- Skipping the tiles because it's faster.Tiles build the meaning. Shortcuts come after.
See it in action
Simplifying 2x + 5 − x − 2
Build it: 2 x tiles, 5 ones, 1 negative x, 2 negative ones
Cancel zero pairs
one x pair, two ones pairsCount what's left
x + 3
Drawing tiles works as well as real ones: rectangles for x, small squares for 1.
Free practice sheet
Make an algebra tiles sheet
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Parents also ask
Why is x a long rectangle?
Its length is x and its width is 1, so its area is x. A big square is x by x, so its area is x².
Do we need to buy tiles?
No. Paper cutouts or drawings work. Free virtual tiles exist online too.
Are tiles used for solving equations?
Yes. Kids build both sides and remove the same tiles from each side.
What does like terms mean?
Terms with the same variable part, like 2x and 5x, or 3 and 7. They can be added together.