An equation is a mathematical sentence formed by setting two expressions equal. We say that the two expressions are equal because they have the same value. For example, $6+4=10$6+4=10 because the expression $6+4$6+4 evaluates to $10$10.
We don't need to know the value of every expression in order to write an equation. In fact, we can use algebra to represent equations with unknown values.
There are many ways to represent an equation. One way is to use Algebra tiles to represent the algebraic expressions on each side.
Positive | Negative | |
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Variable tiles | or | or |
Unit tiles |
Using the key above, let's represent a few equations with Algebra tiles.
Model the equation $3x=15$3x=15 with Algebra tiles.
Think: We need to represent the expressions on each side of the equation.
The expression $3x$3x is the same as having the variable three times.
The number $15$15 is the same as having fifteen units.
Do: Place the appropriate Algebra tiles in your workspace. Be sure to separate them by an equal sign.
$3x$3x | $=$= | $15$15 |
The original equation |
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$=$= | |||
Three variable tiles |
Fifteen unit tiles |
Model the equation $x+4=10$x+4=10 with Algebra tiles.
Think: We need to represent the expressions on each side of the equation.
The expression $x+4$x+4 is the same as having one variable tile and four unit tiles.
The number $10$10 is the same as having ten units.
Do: Place the appropriate Algebra tiles in the workspace. Be sure to separate them by an equal sign.
$x$x | $+4$+4 | $=$= | $10$10 |
The original equation |
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$=$= |
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One variable tile |
Four positive unit tiles |
Ten positive unit tiles |
Write the equation represented by the Algebra tiles. Do not solve the equation.
$=$= |
Write the equation represented by the Algebra tiles. Do not solve the equation.
$=$= |
We want to keep equations balanced so that the two sides of the equals sign remain equivalent. If we don't we could change what the equation means.
Think of a balanced set of scales. The scale remains level when the weights on both sides of the scales are even. The same thing happens with equations.
This applet represents the equation $x=3$x=3.
You can click and drag Algebra tiles from the bottom to the gray part at the bottom to be on the scale. Click the reset button in the top right corner to go back to $x=3$x=3.
We can add the same amount to both sides and the equation will stay balanced.
We can also take away the same amount from both sides.
If we double, triple, or even quadruple the amounts on both sides of a scale, the scale will stay balanced. In fact, we can keep it balanced by multiplying or dividing the amounts by any nonzero number - so long as it's the same on both sides!
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We can also change what amount appears on each side. The same is true for equations. So, $x=3$x=3 is the same equation as $3=x$3=x.
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Scale $1$1 is a balanced scale.
Scale $1$1:
Scale $2$2:
Which of the following options could go in place of the question mark to balance scale $2$2?
Scale $1$1 is a balanced scale.
Scale $1$1:
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Scale $2$2:
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Which of the following options could go in place of the question mark to balance scale $2$2?
Scale $1$1 is a balanced scale.
Scale $1$1:
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Scale $2$2:
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Which of the following options could go in place of the question mark to balance scale $2$2?