ELI5: Explain Like I'm 5

Algebra tile

An algebra tile is a fancy math tool that helps you understand and solve algebra problems by using different colored tiles. Just like building blocks, each tile has a special meaning and can be arranged in different ways to help solve math problems.

For example, the blue tiles represent negative numbers or negative values and the red tiles represent positive numbers or positive values. Yellow tiles are used to show constants or numbers that are neither negative nor positive.

You can use these tiles to work out equations like x + 2 = 6. You can take two yellow tiles and place them next to a blue x tile. Then, you can add a red tile to one side of the equation so that the equation is balanced. This will show you that x must be equal to 4, since 4 + 2 equals 6.

Algebra tiles help you visualize and understand math problems in a more hands-on way, making it easier to learn and solve algebra equations.