Evaluating Algebraic Expressions
Key Concepts
1. **Algebraic Expression**: A mathematical phrase that includes variables, constants, and operations (like addition, subtraction, multiplication, and division).
2. **Substitution**: Replacing variables in an algebraic expression with specific values.
3. **Simplification**: Performing the operations in the expression to find the value.
Detailed Explanation
Algebraic Expression
An algebraic expression is a combination of numbers, variables, and operations. For example, \(3x + 5\) is an algebraic expression where \(x\) is a variable, 3 and 5 are constants, and the operations are multiplication and addition.
Substitution
Substitution involves replacing the variables in an algebraic expression with specific values. For example, if \(x = 2\) in the expression \(3x + 5\), you replace \(x\) with 2: \(3(2) + 5\).
Simplification
Simplification involves performing the operations in the expression after substitution. For example, after substituting \(x = 2\) in \(3x + 5\), you get \(3(2) + 5 = 6 + 5 = 11\).
Examples
Example 1: Evaluate \(4y - 7\) when \(y = 3\).
Solution: Substitute \(y = 3\): \(4(3) - 7 = 12 - 7 = 5\).
Explanation: Replace \(y\) with 3, then perform the multiplication and subtraction.
Example 2: Evaluate \(2a^2 + 3a - 1\) when \(a = 4\).
Solution: Substitute \(a = 4\): \(2(4^2) + 3(4) - 1 = 2(16) + 12 - 1 = 32 + 12 - 1 = 43\).
Explanation: Replace \(a\) with 4, then perform the exponentiation, multiplication, and addition/subtraction.
Analogies
Think of evaluating algebraic expressions as following a recipe. The variables are like ingredients, and the operations are like the steps to cook the dish. Substitution is like adding the exact amount of each ingredient, and simplification is like following the steps to complete the dish.
Practical Application
Understanding how to evaluate algebraic expressions is crucial in various fields such as science, engineering, and finance. It helps in solving real-world problems by translating them into mathematical expressions and finding their values.