Modes

There are 4 modes: Solve, Substitute, Expand, or Factor.

• In Solve and Substitute, vertical lines indicate "is equal to" (=).
• In Expand and Factor, the large area is the product of the top and left areas, as in a standard multiplication table.

Adding Tiles

Add tiles to the workspace from the bottom left bank. The value of each tile is indicated. When moved to the workspace, the value will be erased.

• Flip turns tiles over, giving the inverse value. For example when a green x is flipped, it becomes a red –x tile. Flipping the red –x tile, gives the inverse green x tile. You can click the button to flip all tiles in the bank or move tiles to the workspace, and then click to flip those tiles over.
• Turn rotates the green x and red –x tiles 90°. This is most useful in the Expand and Factor activities.

Other Tools 

Tools may be used on single tiles by select them or a group of tiles by selecting several or dragging a rectangle around a group of tiles. The tool may be selected before the tile for a single action or after to allow for a repeated action.

• Pointer selects and moves tiles. This is the default tool. When the empty workspace or a tile from the bank is selected, this tool is automatically selected. Note: Depending on the activity, some tiles may not be removed.
• Eraser removes tiles from the workspace. Note: Depending on the activity, some tiles may not be removed.
• Remove Zero Pairs allows only zero pairs to be removed from the workspace. This is most helpful in solving Solve and Expand problems or anytime in Factor problems to ensure tiles are properly removed. A zero pair is a pair of tiles that sums to 0, such as a yellow 1 tile and a red –1 tile.
• Copy copies the currently selected tile(s). Move the tile(s) to see the copy. This is most helpful when a large number of tiles must be placed in the workspace, such as for x² – 16.

Completing a Problem 

All problems must be completed in two steps:

1. Build the model

   Place the correct pieces in the workspace. After you build the model of the given problem, Check your answer to move on to the next step. Only tile type, tile quantity, and workspace area are checked, not the way in which tiles are arranged.

   If you want to start again, Reset to empty your workspace.

2. Solve the problem

   After you solve the problem, Check your answer. Where applicable, answers must be given in simplified form. Both the entered answer and workspace must be correct. If one or both is incorrect, the incorrect portion will be indicated. Note: in Factor mode, all factors must be entered in parentheses. x(x + 1) will be marked wrong. (x)(x + 1) will be accepted.

   If you want to start again, Reset to go back to your original model.

3. When you complete your problem or at any other point, you may start a New problem.