How to Use Strip Models to Identify Equivalent Expressions?

A step-by-step guide to using strip models to identify equivalent expressions

Expressions are equal if they simplify to the same form or if one can be transformed into the other. Also, if the same values are substituted for the variable and both expressions yield the same result, then they are equal.

Strip Model is a graphical representation used to demonstrate equivalent expressions.

Strip Models are used to visually represent expressions, making it easier to identify equivalent expressions. Here’s how to use Strip Models:

1. Draw a rectangle for each term in the expression.
2. Write the coefficient or the numerical value of each term in the corresponding rectangle.
3. Use arrows to show the distribution of the coefficient to the terms within the rectangle.
4. Identify common terms and combine the corresponding rectangles.
5. Compare the simplified expressions and check if they are equal.

By using Strip Models, you can easily see the distribution of coefficients and identify terms that can be combined, making it easier to simplify and determine if two expressions are equivalent.

Using Strip Models to Identify Equivalent Expressions – Example 1

Write the expression that the model represents.

Solution:
This model represents \(x+x+x+x+n+n+n+n+n+n+n+n\)

There are \(4\) times \(x\) and \(8\) times \(n\) in this model.
So, it can be written as \(4x+8n\).

Using Strip Models to Identify Equivalent Expressions – Example 2

Write the expression that the model represents.

Solution:
This model represents \(1+1+1+1+v+v+v+v+v\)
There are \(4\) times \(1\) and \(5\) times \(v\).
So, it can be written as \(4+5 v\)

Exercises for Using Strip Models to Identify Equivalent Expressions

Write the expression that the model represents.