An AWESOME manipulative for any algebra concept is ALGEBLOCKS. They are like base 10 blocks but without the lines. You can use them for everything from solving simple equations to completing the square and the quadratic equation. You can either purchase them or make them. I have several sets I've made out of paper that I give to my students and they work great.
What are Algeblocks? Here is the website if you want more info.
How do you make a paper set of algeblocks?
1. Cut 1 cm x 1 cm squares of paper (I don't actually measure, just eyeball it).
2. Cut 1 cm x 3.5 ish cm rectangles of paper. It's best if the rectangles are the same width as the small squares, and are NOT a whole number length. Again, I just eyeball it. They can really be as long as you want. It helps to have these be a different color than the small squares.
3. Cut large squares the same length and width as the length of the rectangles. So if you are following the measurements I give these squares would be 3.5ish cm x 3.5ish cm. Make them the same color as the rectangles.
I usually stop here. These are enough shapes to solve all one-variable equations and model one-variable polynomials. I call them the X blocks. You can go on to make manipulatives for 2 variables as well. To do this...
4. Cut rectangles 1 cm x 8.2 cm (or whatever length as long as it's longer than the first rectangles you made).
5. Cut squares 8.2 cm x 8.2 cm (or whatever length you made the rectangles.)
These would be the Y blocks.
What do you do with them? See the algebra posts to find out!
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