Plug and Calculate
When you evaluate algebraic expressions, you are given the values represented by letters. Hence, you literally plug in the numbers given to you, then calculate the problem. Again, knowing your order of operations is extremely important to work algebra expressions and equations successfully.
These expressions will have coefficients in them. Remember what to do once the value of the letter in the coefficient is known? That’s right! Multiply them. For example, if you are asked to evaluate 5a if the value of a = 3, then replace awith 3. This gives you 5(3). Multiply the two numbers together to get 15. That’s it!
Your Turn to Evaluate an Expression
Evaluate 9x + 2, if x = 3.
Evaluate 2b / 2f, if b = -10 and f = 5.