What does it you to evaluate an algebraic expression?

Answer 1

To evaluate an algebraic expression means to simplify the expression as much as possible by replacing the variables in an expression with the numerical values given to you.

Ex:

Example of Evaluating an Algebraic Expression

• To evaluate the algebraic expression '4.5 + x' for x = 3.2, we need to replace x with 3.2 and then add.

  4.5 + x = 4.5 + 3.2

  =7.7

Solved Example on Evaluating an Algebraic Expression

Evaluate the algebraic expression p + 3q + 2p - 3q, for p = 2 and q = - 5.

Choices:

A. 12

B. 18

C. 3

D. 6

Correct Answer: D

Solution:

Step 1: p + 3q + 2p - 3q [Original expression.]

Step 2: = (p + 2p) + (3q - 3q) [Group the like terms together.]

Step 3: = 3p [Solve within the grouping symbols.]

Step 4: = 3 x 2 [Substitute 2 for p.]

Step 5: = 6 [Multiply.]