1. Simplifying Variable Expressions We are learning to…simplify variable expressions by combining like terms. Monday, June 02, 2014

2. Find one of each of the Algebra Tiles shown below in your container and trace them on your notes. With your team investigate to see if any of the dimensions of the tiles fit together. Name each of the tiles based on the area of the Algebra Tile. 1 unit 5 units x units y units x units y units x units Name: 1 Unit Tile Name: 5 Unit Tile Name: x Tile Name: y Tile Name: x 2 Tile Name: y 2 Tile Name: xy Tile (x)(x) (y)(y) (x)(y)

3. As a group take out the following tiles and lay them out on a desk. Name this group of tiles! 1 + x + 5 + y + x 2 + xy + x + x 2 + y 2 + x + 1 + y 2 + xy Is there an easier or simplified way to write this expression?

4. Organize the tiles by grouping them with other like tiles.Now name the tiles by the groups that you have made. 8 + 3x + y + 3x 2 + 2y 2 + 2xy

5. Simplify the expression below: 8 + 3xy + 5x 2 + 4x Represent the expression with Algebra Tiles: Organize the Algebra Tiles so that similar units are next to one another: Write the simplified version of the expression: 3 + 2x + 2xy + x 2 + xy + 4x 2 + 5 + 2x

6. Simplify the expression below: 9x + 7y Represent the expression with Algebra Tiles: Organize the Algebra Tiles so that similar units are next to one another: Write the simplified version of the expression: y + 2x + 2y + 4x + y + x + 3y + 2x

7. Critical Thinking… We simplified the last expression to be 9x + 7y…would it be correct if we wrote the expression as 7y + 9x? Why? Discuss this with your team and be ready to justify your reasoning. It would be absolutely correct to write 7y + 9x instead of 9x + 7y. –The Commutative Property Addition allows us to add in any order. –For Example: 3 + 2 = 2 + 3

8. Practice… Now try some practice with your team. Directions: 1.Read each expression carefully. 2.Use your Algebra Tiles to create a representation of the expression. 3.Draw your representation with Algebra Tiles. 4.Organize your tiles so that you combine like terms in the expression. 5.Write your simplified expression.