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Variables and Algebraic Expressions

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Before you start solving equations, you should have a basic understanding of variables, as well as
and-algebraic-expressions)
translating and evaluating algebraic expressions.

Variables

A variable is a letter used to stand for

a number. The letters x, y, z, a, b, c, m,
and n are probably the most
commonly used variables. The
letters e and i have special values in
algebra and are usually not used as
variables. The letter o is usually not
used because it can be mistaken for 0
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7/8/2018 Variables and Algebraic Expressions
(zero).

Algebraic expressions

Variables are used to change verbal expressions into algebraic expressions, that is, expressions that are
composed of letters that stand for numbers. Key words that can help you translate words into letters
and numbers include:

For addition: sum, more than, greater than, increase

For subtraction: minus, less than, smaller than, decrease

For multiplication: times, product, multiplied by, of

For division: halve, divided by, ratio.

Example 1

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7/8/2018 Variables and Algebraic Expressions
 Give the algebraic expression for each of the following.

1. the sum of a number and 5

2. the number minus 4

3. six times a number

4. x divided by 7

5. three more than the product of 2 and x

1. the sum of a number and 5: x + 5 or 5 + x

2. the number minus 4: x – 4

3. six times a number: 6 x

4. x divided by 7:   or 

5. three more than the product of 2 and x: 2 x + 3

Evaluating expressions

To evaluate an expression, just replace the variables with grouping symbols, insert the values given for
the variables, and do the arithmetic. Remember to follow the order of the operations: parentheses,
exponents, multiplication/division, addition/subtraction.

Example 2

Evaluate each of the following.

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7/8/2018 Variables and Algebraic Expressions
1. x + 2 y if x = 2 and y = 5

2. a + bc – 3 if a = 4, b = 5, and c = 6

3. m 2 + 4 n + 1 if m = 3 and n = 2

4.   if a = 2, b = 3, and c = 4

5. –5 xy + z if x = 6, y = 7, and z = 1

1. 

2. 

3. 

4. 

5. 

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7/8/2018 Variables and Algebraic Expressions

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