Algebra tiles are special tools that help us understand math problems in a hands-on way. They are like small blocks or tiles that represent different parts of a math equation.

There are different types of tiles. Some tiles represent regular numbers, like 1 or 2, and others represent letters that stand for unknown numbers, like "x". We can also find tiles that represent squares of numbers, which are like multiplying a number by itself.

Using these tiles, we can see how different parts of an equation fit together. We can arrange them to show how addition, subtraction, multiplication, and division work. For example, if we want to solve an equation or simplify an expression, we can move the tiles around and see how they change. This helps us understand what is happening in the math problem.