Evaluating

Expressions Using Substitution

Notes
 Evaluating Expressions Using Substitution
If we are given a value for our variables, we can
replace the variables with that value to find the value
(evaluate) of the expression.

Example: Find the value of 3x + 4 when x = 5

3x + 4
3(5) + 4
15 + 4
19
 Checklist for Substituting Values into Expressions:

1. Re-write the expression, replacing the variable with
the given value for the variable inside parentheses
2. Using PEMDAS, evaluate the expression
3. Simplify until there is only one number left

Ex: Find the value of 7n 12 when n = 3

7(3) 12 Re-write the expression, replacing the variable
with the given value
21 12 Using PEMDAS, evaluate the expression

9 Simplify until there is only one number left
 Evaluating Expressions Using Substitution

Find the value of 7(6x 10) when x = 2

7(6x 10)
7(6(2) 10)
7(12 10)
7(2)
14
The value of the expression when x = 2 is 14.
 Using substitution where x = 2, determine which
expression is not equivalent to 24x 15?
a. 6(4x - 3) + 3 6(4(2) 3) + 3 = 33
b. 3(5 + 8x) 3(5 + 8(2)) = 63
c. -2(-12x + 7) 1 -2(-12(2) + 7) 1 = 33

x = 2
24x 15
24(2) 15
48 15 = 33

B is not equivalent to the original expression
 Substituting with Expressions
You can determine if expressions are equivalent by
substituting values in for the variables
If the value of the expressions are the same, they are
equivalent
If the value of the expressions are different, they are not
equivalent
Is 2(x + 4) equivalent to (8x + 12)?
Substitute x = 2
2((2) + 4) = 2(6) = 12
(8(2) + 12)= (28) = 7

They are not equivalent
 Challenge
Using substitution, determine which expression(s) are
not equivalent to -6x +12y:
a. -6(x 2y) -6(2 6) = 24
b. -3(2x 4y) -3(4 12) = 24
c. 2(-3x + 6y) 2(-6 + 18) = 24
d. (-12x + 24y) (-24 + 72) = 24
e. -6(x + 2y) -6(2 + 6) = -48

You can determine if expressions are equivalent by
substituting values in for the variables
x = 2, y = 3
-6(2) +12(3) = -12 + 36 = 24