What does it mean to 'evaluate' an algebraic expression?

To evaluate an expression means to substitute given values for the variables and then simplify using the order of operations to get a numerical result.

Simplify: 3x + 5y − x + 2y

Combine like terms: (3x − x) + (5y + 2y) = 2x + 7y.

What is the result of applying the distributive property to 4(3x − 2)?

Multiply 4 by each term inside the parentheses: 4 · 3x − 4 · 2 = 12x − 8.

What are 'like terms' in an algebraic expression?

Like terms are terms that have the same variable(s) raised to the same power(s). Only like terms can be added or subtracted.

Evaluate 2x² − 3x + 1 when x = −2.

Substitute x = −2: 2(−2)² − 3(−2) + 1 = 2(4) + 6 + 1 = 8 + 6 + 1 = 15.

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