The Value of Algebraic Expressions When N = 3

Algebra, one of the oldest branches of mathematics, is a versatile discipline that encompasses number theory, geometry, and analysis. It involves the analysis and manipulation of mathematical symbols and rules, focusing on variables and their unknown values.

Understanding Expressions in Algebra

An expression refers to a combination of terms joined together using mathematical operations like addition, subtraction, multiplication, and division. Three key elements define an expression:

• Constants: Fixed numerical values.
• Variables: Symbols representing unknown values.
• Terms: Combinations of constants and variables with arithmetic operations.

For instance, expressions like 2x+5, 6x+12, and so on demonstrate the concept of algebraic expressions.

Variables are alphanumeric characters commonly represented by the letters ‘a’, ‘b’, ‘c’, ‘x’, ‘y’, and ‘z’ in equations. Variables can hold any value and often represent the value of another variable or equation.

Consider the equation: 3y + 11 = 20. Here, ‘y’ is the variable, ‘3’ is the coefficient of ‘y’, and ’11’ and ’20’ are constants. The ‘+’ symbol denotes the operator.

Determining the Value of an Expression

Let’s focus on a specific expression: 9 + 4n – 1. If we assign the value ‘3’ to ‘n’, we can calculate the overall value of the expression.

Problem: What is the value of the expression 9 + 4n – 1 when n equals 3?

Solution:

To find the value of the expression, we substitute ‘n’ with ‘3’ in the given expression:

= 9 + 4n - 1
= 9 + 4(3) - 1
= 9 + 12 - 1
= 21 - 1
= 20

Therefore, the value of the expression 9 + 4n – 1 when n = 3 is 20.

Sample Problems

Let’s explore a few more examples to reinforce our understanding of evaluating algebraic expressions.

Problem 1: What is the value of the expression n^2 + 5n – 5 when n equals 2?

Solution:

Given expression: n^2 + 5n – 5

Substituting ‘n’ with ‘2’, we can determine the value of the expression:

= n^2 + 5n - 5
= 2^2 + 5(2) - 5
= 4 + 10 - 5
= 14 - 5
= 9

Hence, the value of the expression n^2 + 5n – 5 when n = 2 is 9.

Problem 2: What is the value of the expression 4x + 7 when x equals 3?

Solution:

Consider the expression: 4x + 7

By substituting ‘x’ with ‘3’, we can calculate the value of the expression:

= 4x + 7
= 4(3) + 7
= 12 + 7
= 19

Thus, the value of the expression 4x + 7 when x = 3 is 19.

Problem 3: What is the value of the expression (n + 2)^2 when n equals -2?

Solution:

Let’s evaluate the expression: (n + 2)^2

By applying the algebraic expression (a + b)^2 = a^2 + 2ab + b^2, we can determine its value by substituting ‘n’ with ‘-2’:

= (n + 2)^2
= (-2)^2 + 2(-2)(2) + 2^2
= 4 + (-8) + 4
= 4 - 8 + 4
= 8 - 8
= 0

Hence, the value of the expression (n + 2)^2 when n = -2 is 0.

Problem 4: What is the value of the expression 20 – 4n when n equals 4?

Solution:

Let’s analyze the expression: 20 – 4n

By substituting ‘n’ with ‘4’, we can calculate the value of the expression:

= 20 - 4n
= 20 - 4(4)
= 20 - 16
= 4

Therefore, the value of the expression 20 – 4n when n = 4 is 4.

Problem 5: What is the value of the expression x^2(5 – x) when x equals 3?

Solution:

Now, let’s explore the expression: x^2(5 – x)

By substituting ‘x’ with ‘3’, we can determine the value of the expression:

= x^2(5 - x)
= 5x^2 - x^3
= 5(3)^2 - 3^3
= 5(9) - 27
= 45 - 27
= 18

Thus, the value of the expression x^2(5 – x) when x = 3 is 18.

Problem 6: What is the value of the expression 3x + 4y + 20 when x = 3 and y = 2?

Solution:

Let’s consider the expression: 3x + 4y + 20

By substituting ‘x’ with ‘3’ and ‘y’ with ‘2’, we can calculate the value of the expression:

= 3x + 4y + 20
= 3(3) + 4(2) + 20
= 9 + 8 + 20
= 17 + 20
= 37

Hence, the value of the expression 3x + 4y + 20 when x = 3 and y = 2 is 37.

Remember, algebraic expressions provide us with the tools to calculate various values and solve problems in mathematics. By understanding the basics, we can unravel the mysteries of algebra and apply its principles to diverse real-world scenarios. For further details and information about various topics, visit 5 WS.