Evaluating Algebraic Expressions
Sometimes, we are given a known quantity for a variable. In the earlier
example from last section, I might
discover that Peter's monthly salary is $600, or that your book weighs 12 lbs.
To evaluate an algebraic expression, plug in the known quantity for the
variable and evaluate the resulting expression. For example, given the known
quantities described above, s + 200 = 600 + 200 = 800 and 3×w + 5 = 3×12 + 5 = 36 + 5 = 41.
You probably have been evaluating algebraic expressions without even knowing it.
Every time you plug a number into a formula, like the formula for perimeter of a
square, p = 4×s, you are evaluating an expression.
Example 1: What is the perimeter of a square with side length 1? 5?
2.5?
a) p = 4×s = 4×1 = 4
b) p = 4×s = 4×5 = 20
c) p = 4×s = 4×2.5 = 10
Example 2: What is s + 200 if s = 1, 800? If s = 15? If s = - 100?
a) s + 200 = 1, 800 + 200 = 2, 000
b) s + 200 = 15 + 200 = 215
c) s + 200 = - 100 + 200 = 100
Example 3: What is 3×w + 5 if w = 5? If w = 10? If w = 0?
a) 3×w + 5 = 3×5 + 5 = 15 + 5 = 20
b) 3×w + 5 = 3×10 + 5 = 30 + 5 = 35
c) 3×w + 5 = 3×0 + 5 = 0 + 5 = 5
