Chapter 3: Problem 45
Explain how to evaluate an expression. $$3 y-5(y+2) ; y=4$$
Short Answer
Expert verified
Answer: The result is $$-18$$.
Step by step solution
01
Identify the expression and the given value of the variable
The given expression is $$3y - 5(y + 2)$$ and the value of the variable $$y$$ is given as $$y = 4$$.
02
Substitute the value of the variable into the expression
Replace $$y$$ in the expression with the given value, which is $$4$$:
$$3(4) - 5(4 + 2)$$
03
Perform operations inside parentheses
Calculate the expressions inside the parentheses:
$$3(4) - 5(6)$$
04
Apply the multiplication
Multiply the numbers outside the parentheses by the numbers inside the parentheses:
$$12 - 5(6)$$
$$12 - 30$$
05
Perform subtraction
Subtract the second term from the first term:
$$12 - 30 = -18$$
The evaluated expression is $$-18$$.
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Key Concepts
These are the key concepts you need to understand to accurately answer the question.
Substitution Method
The substitution method is a crucial part of evaluating algebraic expressions. It involves replacing the variable in an expression with its given numerical value. For example, in the expression \(3y - 5(y + 2)\), if we know that \(y = 4\), we substitute \(4\) for every instance of \(y\).
Here's how the substitution step works:
Here's how the substitution step works:
- Locate every variable in the expression.
- Replace the variable with the given number.
- Ensure that the substitution is clear, such as by using parentheses: \(3(4) - 5((4) + 2)\).
Order of Operations
The order of operations is a rule that tells us the sequence in which to solve different parts of a mathematical expression. It is often remembered by the acronym PEMDAS: Parentheses, Exponents, Multiplication and Division (from left to right), Addition and Subtraction (from left to right).
To apply these rules to an expression like \(3(4) - 5(4 + 2)\), you follow these steps:
To apply these rules to an expression like \(3(4) - 5(4 + 2)\), you follow these steps:
- Start with calculations inside the parentheses: \(4 + 2\).
- Proceed to multiplication or division: \(3(4)\) and \(5(6)\).
- Finish with addition or subtraction, which in this case is just a final subtraction: \(12 - 30\).
Algebraic Expression
An algebraic expression is a combination of numbers, variables, and arithmetic operations like addition, subtraction, multiplication, and division. The expression \(3y - 5(y + 2)\) is an example of an algebraic expression that includes the variable \(y\), constants (3 and 5), operations (multiplication and subtraction), and parentheses.
Understanding algebraic expressions involves:
Understanding algebraic expressions involves:
- Identifying terms, which are parts of the expression separated by addition or subtraction.
- Recognizing coefficients, which are the numbers multiplied by the variables (like \(3\) in \(3y\)).
- Understanding the role of parentheses in grouping terms.