We've created a tool to visualise algebra and make it even simpler to understand simplifying, expanding and factorising.
Visual Area Model
Expand & Simplify
Visual Factorising
Algebra is often the hardest topic for students to master because it feels like a set of arbitrary rules. “Why do two negatives make a plus?” “Why do we flip the signs?”
When students rely on rote memorisation, they struggle as soon as the questions get tricky.
The Solution: Visual Algebra. We have built this interactive tool using Algebra Tiles—a method used by top mathematicians to turn abstract letters and numbers into physical objects. By moving, rotating, and grouping tiles, you build a “Mental Model” of how algebra actually works.
This breaks down the specific learning outcomes of this digital manipulative.
Concept: Learn why you can't add x to x². See how +x and -x create Zero Pairs and vanish.
Concept: Understand expansion geometrically. Multiplying (x+2) by (x+3) isn't just a rule—it's building a rectangle.
Concept: Reverse the process! Given a pile of tiles (an area), can you arrange them into a perfect rectangle to find the side lengths (factors)?
Visual Algebra
Here's a quick guide to ensure they get the most out of the features we built.
Experiment freely!
Build Your Own: Use the + Column and + Row buttons to create any grid size you want.
Drag & Drop: Drag tiles from the bank directly into the grid headers or cells to set up your own questions.
Smart Simplify: Click “Simplify” to watch positive and negative pairs cancel out instantly.
Test your skills with our curated question sets.
Simplify: Practice collecting like terms.
Expand: Use the Area Model to multiply terms. Fill in the grid cells to see the partial areas, then combine them for the final answer.
Factorise: We give you the area (the inside of the grid); you have to find the side lengths (the factors) by typing them into the headers.
Stuck? Use the “Show Me” button to watch a step-by-step animation of the solution.
For Simplifying, Expanding, and Factorising
At Singapore Maths Academy, we believe in building strong foundations. This tool is a digital “Concrete” experience.
Concrete: Manipulating the digital tiles.
Pictorial: Seeing the patterns form on the grid.
Abstract: Answering the equation correctly.
By mastering the tiles here, you aren’t just getting the right answer today—you are preparing your brain for complex algebra in GCSE and beyond.
"She just tried it out, and she likes it."“Thank you so much for sharing this times table game. My daughter just tried it out, and she likes it. It’s simple and competitive at the same time. I like the fact that it doesn’t have too much going on, which sometimes makes the kids distracted. ”
We have many different Maths challenges you can explore and have a go at. From adding and subtracting to sequences, we've got you covered!
