Evaluating Algebraic Expressions

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What is an algebraic expression?

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An algebraic expression is a mathematical phrase that can include numbers, variables, and operation symbols. For example, 3x + 5 is an algebraic expression.

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What does it mean to evaluate an algebraic expression?

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To evaluate an algebraic expression means to substitute the values of the variables into the expression and perform the operations to find a numerical value.

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Evaluate the expression 2x + 3 when x = 4.

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2(4) + 3 = 8 + 3 = 11.

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What is a variable in algebra?

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A variable is a symbol, usually a letter, that represents an unknown value in an expression or equation. For example, in the expression 5y, 'y' is the variable.

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What is a coefficient?

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A coefficient is a numerical factor that multiplies a variable in an algebraic expression. For example, in 7x, 7 is the coefficient.

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What is a constant in an algebraic expression?

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A constant is a fixed value that does not change. For example, in the expression 4x + 5, the number 5 is a constant.

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How do you combine like terms in an expression?

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To combine like terms, you add or subtract the coefficients of terms that have the same variable raised to the same power. For example, 3x + 4x = 7x.

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Evaluate the expression 5a - 2b when a = 3 and b = 1.

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5(3) - 2(1) = 15 - 2 = 13.

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What is the order of operations in evaluating expressions?

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The order of operations is Parentheses, Exponents, Multiplication and Division (from left to right), Addition and Subtraction (from left to right), often abbreviated as PEMDAS.

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What does it mean to simplify an algebraic expression?

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To simplify an algebraic expression means to reduce it to its simplest form by combining like terms and eliminating unnecessary parentheses.