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When we substitute a number for a letter, we simply replace the letter with the number.

However, we must remember that 4b means 4 x b.

 

Example

Work out the value of the following expression when a = 4

3a - 7

 

Answer

3a - 7

3a just means 3 x a , so we have

3 x a - 7

 

Change the letter (a) into the number we've been given (4)

3 x 4 - 7

 

Now multiply first - remember the order of BIDMAS (or BODMAS)

12 - 7 = 5

 

 

Sometimes we have a negative number to substitute and then we need to be very careful about the correct signs!

 

 

Example

Work out the value of the following expression when a = -4

3a - 7

 

Answer

3a - 7

3a just means 3 x a , so we have

3 x a - 7

 

Change the letter (a) into the number we've been given (-4)

3 x -4 - 7

 

Now multiply first - remember the order of BIDMAS (or BODMAS)

3 x -4 = -12

 

Finally, subtract 7:

-12 - 7 = -19

 

When working with negatives, it's important to remember the rules! 

 

Two negative signs next to each other means a positive.

One negative and one positive next to each other means a negative.

 

If we multiply or divide one positive and one negative, we get a negative.

If we multiply two positives or two negatives, we get a positive.

 

Are you happy with this?

 

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