Question

model each two-step operation by drawing algebra tiles. 1. $3m + 5 = 8$

Explanation:

Step1: Isolate the variable term

Subtract 5 from both sides:
$3m + 5 - 5 = 8 - 5$
Simplify to get:
$3m = 3$

Step2: Solve for m

Divide both sides by 3:
$\frac{3m}{3} = \frac{3}{3}$
Simplify to get:
$m = 1$

Algebra Tile Model Notes:

1. Represent $3m$ with 3 positive variable tiles, $5$ with 5 positive unit tiles on the left; represent $8$ with 8 positive unit tiles on the right.
2. Remove 5 positive unit tiles from both sides (to match the subtraction step), leaving 3 variable tiles on the left and 3 unit tiles on the right.
3. Divide the remaining tiles into 3 equal groups: each group has 1 variable tile and 1 unit tile, so $m=1$.

Answer:

$m = 1$