Skip to main content
Ch. P - Fundamental Concepts of Algebra
Blitzer - College Algebra 8th Edition
Blitzer8th EditionCollege AlgebraISBN: 9780136970514Not the one you use?Change textbook
Chapter 1, Problem 1

Evaluate each algebraic expression for the given value or value(s) of the variable(s). 3+6(x-2)3 for x = 4

Verified step by step guidance
1
Identify the given expression and the value of the variable: The expression is \$3 + 6(x - 2)^3\( and the value given is \)x = 4$.
Substitute the value of \(x\) into the expression: Replace every \(x\) with \(4\) to get \$3 + 6(4 - 2)^3$.
Simplify inside the parentheses first: Calculate \$4 - 2\( to simplify the expression to \)3 + 6(2)^3$.
Evaluate the exponent: Calculate \$2^3$ which means \(2 \times 2 \times 2\).
Multiply and add: Multiply the result of the exponent by \(6\), then add \(3\) to find the value of the expression.

Verified video answer for a similar problem:

This video solution was recommended by our tutors as helpful for the problem above.
Video duration:
1m
Was this helpful?

Key Concepts

Here are the essential concepts you must grasp in order to answer the question correctly.

Order of Operations

The order of operations is a set of rules that dictate the sequence in which mathematical operations should be performed to correctly evaluate expressions. It follows the PEMDAS/BODMAS rule: Parentheses, Exponents, Multiplication and Division (left to right), Addition and Subtraction (left to right). This ensures consistent and accurate results.
Recommended video:
Guided course
8:38
Performing Row Operations on Matrices

Evaluating Expressions with Variables

Evaluating an expression involves substituting the given value(s) for the variable(s) and simplifying the result. For example, replacing x with 4 in the expression 3 + 6(x - 2)^3 means calculating 3 + 6(4 - 2)^3 by first simplifying inside the parentheses, then applying exponents, and finally performing multiplication and addition.
Recommended video:
Guided course
03:11
Evaluating Algebraic Expressions

Exponents and Powers

Exponents indicate repeated multiplication of a base number. For instance, (x - 2)^3 means multiplying (x - 2) by itself three times. Understanding how to compute powers is essential for simplifying expressions correctly, especially when combined with other operations like addition and multiplication.
Recommended video:
04:10
Powers of i