What is the First Step in Evaluating an Algebraic Expression?

The first step in evaluating an algebraic expression is substituting the given values for the variables.

This means replacing each variable with the corresponding number or expression that you are given.

Here's how it works:

• Example: Evaluate the expression 2x + 3y if x = 4 and y = 5.
• Step 1: Substitute: Replace x with 4 and y with 5. This gives you 2(4) + 3(5).
• Step 2: Simplify: Follow the order of operations (PEMDAS/BODMAS) to calculate the result:
  • 2(4) + 3(5) = 8 + 15 = 23

By substituting the values for the variables, you transform the algebraic expression into a numerical expression that you can then simplify to find the final answer.