Question

1. what does it mean to evaluate an algebraic expression?

a. to find the numerical value of the expression for a given value of the variable
b. to solve for the variable
c. to determine if the expression is true or false
d. to rewrite the expression in a simpler form

Explanation:

Evaluating an algebraic expression means substituting a given value for the variable in the expression and then calculating the numerical result. For example, if we have the expression \(2x + 3\) and \(x = 4\), we substitute \(x = 4\) into the expression: \(2\times4+3=8 + 3=11\).

• Option b ("To solve for the variable") is about finding the value of the variable (e.g., in an equation like \(2x+3 = 7\), we solve for \(x\)), which is different from evaluation.
• Option c ("To determine if the expression is true or false") is relevant for equations (which have an equality sign) rather than just expressions.
• Option d ("To rewrite the expression in a simpler form") is about simplifying (e.g., combining like - terms in \(3x+2x\) to get \(5x\)), not evaluation.

Answer:

A. To find the numerical value of the expression for a given value of the variable