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Overview
Foundations of Mathematics and Pre-Calculus 10
8. Polynomial factoring
8.11 Using algebra tiles to factor polynomials
Using Algebra Tiles to Factor Polynomials
Algebra tiles model polynomials as shapes, turning multiplying and factoring into arranging rectangles.
What You'll Learn
Algebra tiles use a large square for x squared, a rectangle for x, and a small square for 1.
Modeling a polynomial means laying out one tile per term.
Arranging the tiles into a rectangle reveals the polynomial's two factors.
Example: x squared+3x+2 arranges into a rectangle with sides (x+1) and (x+2).
Tiles make the connection between multiplying and factoring visual.
What You'll Practice
1
Drawing algebra tiles to represent products like 2x(x - 2)
2
Multiplying binomials such as (x - 3)(4x + 1) using tile arrays
3
Combining like terms by counting shaded and empty tiles
4
Verifying polynomial products by matching algebraic and visual solutions
Why This Matters
Using algebra tiles to factorise polynomials builds your visual understanding of how multiplication and factoring work. This concrete representation helps you see why FOIL works and strengthens your ability to manipulate algebraic expressions with confidence in higher-level math courses.
Before You Start — Make Sure You Can:
This Unit Includes
2 Video lessons
Learning resources
Skills
Algebra Tiles
Polynomials
Factoring
FOIL Method
Visual Modeling
Binomial Multiplication
Like Terms
BC Curriculum Aligned