Algebra Mat This helps you solve basic algebra problems. One side of the mat contains the Unit tiles (the squares), X tiles (the rectangles), which you want to get the value for. You start with 0 pairs. If there is a negative and a positive on the same side of the mat, then you select them both, because -1 + 1 = 0. Remember, you are trying to isolate the X tiles on the left so you can find what the value of X is. Next, is balancing. If there is one + on either side, then you select those to remove. Same goes for negatives. Finally comes Adding Balanced Sets. ABS is for completely isolating the X tile on the left. If there are any left over tiles on the left, then you click them. To get rid of 1 positive, it will add 1 negative, and vice versa. But you need to change it on both sides, so if you add 1 negative to the left, you must add one negative to the right. PLEASE REMEMBER: YOU CANNOT GO ONTO THE NEXT STEP UNLESS ALL PARTS ARE TAKEN ARE OF!
