Evaluating Expressions

Front

What is an expression in mathematics?

Back

An expression is a combination of numbers, variables, and operators (such as +, -, *, /) that represents a value.

Front

What does it mean to evaluate an expression?

Back

To evaluate an expression means to calculate its value by substituting the variables with their given values.

Front

Evaluate the expression: 3a - b if a = 5 and b = 4.

Back

11

Front

Evaluate the expression: 5(a - b) if a = 4 and b = 1.

Back

15

Front

What is the order of operations in mathematics?

Back

The order of operations is a set of rules that determines the sequence in which calculations are performed: Parentheses, Exponents, Multiplication and Division (from left to right), Addition and Subtraction (from left to right). This is often remembered by the acronym PEMDAS.

Front

What is a variable in an expression?

Back

A variable is a symbol (usually a letter) that represents an unknown value in an expression or equation.

Front

What is a coefficient in an expression?

Back

A coefficient is a numerical factor that multiplies a variable in an expression.

Front

What is a constant in an expression?

Back

A constant is a fixed value that does not change.

Front

How do you simplify an expression?

Back

To simplify an expression, combine like terms and perform any operations according to the order of operations.

Front

What is a like term?

Back

Like terms are terms that have the same variable raised to the same power.