MAT1791-ABED: B. Multiplying with Algebra Tiles | MoodleHUB 🎓

Multiplying with Algebra Tiles

To multiply a polynomial by a number, make groups of algebra tiles.

Example 3

Multiply $- 3 (2 x - 4)$ .

Written Solution
Video Solution

Lay out 3 groups of $2 x - 4$ .

The first factor, −3, is negative, so reverse the colour of the tiles.

Group the tiles to determine the final expression.

$- 3 (2 x - 4) = - 6 x + 12$

To multiply a first degree monomial by a first degree binomial, represent the monomial and binomial as the length and width of a rectangle. The area of the rectangle represents the product.

Degree of a Term
the sum of the exponents on the variables of that term

Degree of a Polynomial
the highest degree of the polynomial's terms

Example 4

Multiply .

Written Solution
Video Solution

Recall that

The product of a positive value and a negative value is a negative value.
The product of two negative values is a positive value.

Check that this matches the diagram.

Show $- 2 x$ as the length and $x - 1$ as the width of a rectangle.

Fill in the area to determine the product.

$- 2 x (x - 1) = - 2 x^{2} + 2 x$