Evaluating Variable Expressions with Integers

Evaluating Variable Expressions with Integers

Remember that to evaluate an expression means to substitute a number for the variable in the expression. Now we can use negative numbers as well as positive numbers when evaluating expressions.

Example

Evaluate \(x+7\phantom{\rule{0.2em}{0ex}}\text{when}\phantom{\rule{0.2em}{0ex}}\)

  1. \(\phantom{\rule{0.2em}{0ex}}x=-2\phantom{\rule{0.2em}{0ex}}\)
  2. \(\phantom{\rule{0.2em}{0ex}}\phantom{\rule{0.2em}{0ex}}x=-11.\)

Solution

Evaluate \(x+7\) when \(x=-2\)
.
. .
Simplify. .
Evaluate \(x+7\) when \(x=-11\)
.
. .
Simplify. .

Example

When \(n=-5,\) evaluate \(\)

  1. \(\phantom{\rule{0.2em}{0ex}}n+1\phantom{\rule{0.2em}{0ex}}\)
  2. \(\phantom{\rule{0.2em}{0ex}}-n+1.\)

Solution

Evaluate \(n+1\) when \(n=-5\)
.
. .
Simplify. .
Evaluate \(-n+1\) when \(n=-5\)
.
. .
Simplify. .
Add. .
Next we'll evaluate an expression with two variables.

Example

Evaluate \(3a+b\) when \(a=12\) and \(b=-30.\)

Solution

.
. .
Multiply. .
Add. .

Example

Evaluate \({\left(x+y\right)}^{2}\) when \(x=-18\) and \(y=24.\)

Solution

This expression has two variables. Substitute \(-18\) for \(x\) and \(24\) for \(y.\)

\({\left(x+y\right)}^{2}\)
. \({\left(-18+24\right)}^{2}\)
Add inside the parentheses. \({\left(6\right)}^{2}\)
Simplify \(36\)

Optional Video: Example on Adding Integers by Mathispower4u

This lesson is part of:

Introducing Integers

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