Chapter 24: Evaluating Algebraic Expressions
Learn Grade 6 mathematics with very-beginner explanations, original worked examples, practice, reasoning, and review.
Chapter Overview
This chapter teaches Evaluating Algebraic Expressions in original, simple language with step-by-step reasoning, worked examples, practice exercises, common mistakes, and review questions.
Key Technical Terms
- Substitution (Substitution is a Grade 6 mathematics idea in Evaluating Algebraic Expressions. The goal is to understand the meaning, choose a suitable strategy, show the steps clearly, and check that the result is reasonable.)
- Evaluating one-variable expressions (A variable is a symbol used to represent a number that may change or may be unknown.)
- Whole-number values (Whole-number values is a Grade 6 mathematics idea in Evaluating Algebraic Expressions. The goal is to understand the meaning, choose a suitable strategy, show the steps clearly, and check that the result is reasonable.)
- Using brackets in expressions (An algebraic expression combines numbers, variables, and operations without an equals sign.)
- Multiplication written without a symbol (Multiplication written without a symbol is a Grade 6 mathematics idea in Evaluating Algebraic Expressions. The goal is to understand the meaning, choose a suitable strategy, show the steps clearly, and check that the result is reasonable.)
- Checking substituted values (Checking substituted values is a Grade 6 mathematics idea in Evaluating Algebraic Expressions. The goal is to understand the meaning, choose a suitable strategy, show the steps clearly, and check that the result is reasonable.)
How to Learn This Chapter
Read the explanation first, follow each worked example slowly, cover the answer and retry the problem yourself, then use the practice and review questions to check understanding.
24.1 Substitution
Substitution is a Grade 6 mathematics idea in Evaluating Algebraic Expressions. The goal is to understand the meaning, choose a suitable strategy, show the steps clearly, and check that the result is reasonable. In this Grade 6 lesson, focus on meaning first, then use a small example, show the steps, and check whether the result fits the question.
Beginner Note
Identify what is given, what must be found, and which rule or representation fits this topic. Work one step at a time and explain why each step is valid.
10 Worked Examples with Answers and Very-Beginner Explanations
Worked Example 1
Problem: Evaluate 3x + 4 when x = 5.
- Replace x with 5.
- Follow order of operations.
- Calculate carefully.
Very beginner explanation: Substitution replaces a variable with a known value before calculating.
Answer: 19
Worked Example 2
Problem: Evaluate 2n + 7 when n = 6.
- Replace n with 6.
- Follow order of operations.
- Calculate carefully.
Very beginner explanation: Substitution replaces a variable with a known value before calculating.
Answer: 19
Worked Example 3
Problem: Evaluate 5a - 3 when a = 4.
- Replace a with 4.
- Follow order of operations.
- Calculate carefully.
Very beginner explanation: Substitution replaces a variable with a known value before calculating.
Answer: 17
Worked Example 4
Problem: Evaluate 4p + 1 when p = 8.
- Replace p with 8.
- Follow order of operations.
- Calculate carefully.
Very beginner explanation: Substitution replaces a variable with a known value before calculating.
Answer: 33
Worked Example 5
Problem: Evaluate 6m - 5 when m = 3.
- Replace m with 3.
- Follow order of operations.
- Calculate carefully.
Very beginner explanation: Substitution replaces a variable with a known value before calculating.
Answer: 13
Worked Example 6
Problem: Evaluate 2.5x + 1 when x = 4.
- Replace x with 4.
- Follow order of operations.
- Calculate carefully.
Very beginner explanation: Substitution replaces a variable with a known value before calculating.
Answer: 11
Worked Example 7
Problem: Evaluate 7q + 2 when q = 2.
- Replace q with 2.
- Follow order of operations.
- Calculate carefully.
Very beginner explanation: Substitution replaces a variable with a known value before calculating.
Answer: 16
Worked Example 8
Problem: Evaluate 3r - 1 when r = 9.
- Replace r with 9.
- Follow order of operations.
- Calculate carefully.
Very beginner explanation: Substitution replaces a variable with a known value before calculating.
Answer: 26
Worked Example 9
Problem: Evaluate 4y + 6 when y = 5.
- Replace y with 5.
- Follow order of operations.
- Calculate carefully.
Very beginner explanation: Substitution replaces a variable with a known value before calculating.
Answer: 26
Worked Example 10
Problem: Evaluate 8k - 4 when k = 3.
- Replace k with 3.
- Follow order of operations.
- Calculate carefully.
Very beginner explanation: Substitution replaces a variable with a known value before calculating.
Answer: 20
Practice Exercise
Create one new Grade 6 problem about Substitution. Solve it step by step, label any units, and explain how you checked your answer.
Common Mistake
A common mistake is starting a calculation before identifying what is given, what must be found, and which rule fits the problem.
24.2 Evaluating one-variable expressions
A variable is a symbol used to represent a number that may change or may be unknown. In this Grade 6 lesson, focus on meaning first, then use a small example, show the steps, and check whether the result fits the question.
Beginner Note
Identify what is given, what must be found, and which rule or representation fits this topic. Work one step at a time and explain why each step is valid.
10 Worked Examples with Answers and Very-Beginner Explanations
Worked Example 1
Problem: Evaluate 3x + 4 when x = 5.
- Replace x with 5.
- Follow order of operations.
- Calculate carefully.
Very beginner explanation: Substitution replaces a variable with a known value before calculating.
Answer: 19
Worked Example 2
Problem: Evaluate 2n + 7 when n = 6.
- Replace n with 6.
- Follow order of operations.
- Calculate carefully.
Very beginner explanation: Substitution replaces a variable with a known value before calculating.
Answer: 19
Worked Example 3
Problem: Evaluate 5a - 3 when a = 4.
- Replace a with 4.
- Follow order of operations.
- Calculate carefully.
Very beginner explanation: Substitution replaces a variable with a known value before calculating.
Answer: 17
Worked Example 4
Problem: Evaluate 4p + 1 when p = 8.
- Replace p with 8.
- Follow order of operations.
- Calculate carefully.
Very beginner explanation: Substitution replaces a variable with a known value before calculating.
Answer: 33
Worked Example 5
Problem: Evaluate 6m - 5 when m = 3.
- Replace m with 3.
- Follow order of operations.
- Calculate carefully.
Very beginner explanation: Substitution replaces a variable with a known value before calculating.
Answer: 13
Worked Example 6
Problem: Evaluate 2.5x + 1 when x = 4.
- Replace x with 4.
- Follow order of operations.
- Calculate carefully.
Very beginner explanation: Substitution replaces a variable with a known value before calculating.
Answer: 11
Worked Example 7
Problem: Evaluate 7q + 2 when q = 2.
- Replace q with 2.
- Follow order of operations.
- Calculate carefully.
Very beginner explanation: Substitution replaces a variable with a known value before calculating.
Answer: 16
Worked Example 8
Problem: Evaluate 3r - 1 when r = 9.
- Replace r with 9.
- Follow order of operations.
- Calculate carefully.
Very beginner explanation: Substitution replaces a variable with a known value before calculating.
Answer: 26
Worked Example 9
Problem: Evaluate 4y + 6 when y = 5.
- Replace y with 5.
- Follow order of operations.
- Calculate carefully.
Very beginner explanation: Substitution replaces a variable with a known value before calculating.
Answer: 26
Worked Example 10
Problem: Evaluate 8k - 4 when k = 3.
- Replace k with 3.
- Follow order of operations.
- Calculate carefully.
Very beginner explanation: Substitution replaces a variable with a known value before calculating.
Answer: 20
Practice Exercise
Create one new Grade 6 problem about Evaluating one-variable expressions. Solve it step by step, label any units, and explain how you checked your answer.
Common Mistake
A common mistake is starting a calculation before identifying what is given, what must be found, and which rule fits the problem.
24.3 Evaluating two-variable expressions
A variable is a symbol used to represent a number that may change or may be unknown. In this Grade 6 lesson, focus on meaning first, then use a small example, show the steps, and check whether the result fits the question.
Beginner Note
Identify what is given, what must be found, and which rule or representation fits this topic. Work one step at a time and explain why each step is valid.
10 Worked Examples with Answers and Very-Beginner Explanations
Worked Example 1
Problem: Evaluate 3x + 4 when x = 5.
- Replace x with 5.
- Follow order of operations.
- Calculate carefully.
Very beginner explanation: Substitution replaces a variable with a known value before calculating.
Answer: 19
Worked Example 2
Problem: Evaluate 2n + 7 when n = 6.
- Replace n with 6.
- Follow order of operations.
- Calculate carefully.
Very beginner explanation: Substitution replaces a variable with a known value before calculating.
Answer: 19
Worked Example 3
Problem: Evaluate 5a - 3 when a = 4.
- Replace a with 4.
- Follow order of operations.
- Calculate carefully.
Very beginner explanation: Substitution replaces a variable with a known value before calculating.
Answer: 17
Worked Example 4
Problem: Evaluate 4p + 1 when p = 8.
- Replace p with 8.
- Follow order of operations.
- Calculate carefully.
Very beginner explanation: Substitution replaces a variable with a known value before calculating.
Answer: 33
Worked Example 5
Problem: Evaluate 6m - 5 when m = 3.
- Replace m with 3.
- Follow order of operations.
- Calculate carefully.
Very beginner explanation: Substitution replaces a variable with a known value before calculating.
Answer: 13
Worked Example 6
Problem: Evaluate 2.5x + 1 when x = 4.
- Replace x with 4.
- Follow order of operations.
- Calculate carefully.
Very beginner explanation: Substitution replaces a variable with a known value before calculating.
Answer: 11
Worked Example 7
Problem: Evaluate 7q + 2 when q = 2.
- Replace q with 2.
- Follow order of operations.
- Calculate carefully.
Very beginner explanation: Substitution replaces a variable with a known value before calculating.
Answer: 16
Worked Example 8
Problem: Evaluate 3r - 1 when r = 9.
- Replace r with 9.
- Follow order of operations.
- Calculate carefully.
Very beginner explanation: Substitution replaces a variable with a known value before calculating.
Answer: 26
Worked Example 9
Problem: Evaluate 4y + 6 when y = 5.
- Replace y with 5.
- Follow order of operations.
- Calculate carefully.
Very beginner explanation: Substitution replaces a variable with a known value before calculating.
Answer: 26
Worked Example 10
Problem: Evaluate 8k - 4 when k = 3.
- Replace k with 3.
- Follow order of operations.
- Calculate carefully.
Very beginner explanation: Substitution replaces a variable with a known value before calculating.
Answer: 20
Practice Exercise
Create one new Grade 6 problem about Evaluating two-variable expressions. Solve it step by step, label any units, and explain how you checked your answer.
Common Mistake
A common mistake is starting a calculation before identifying what is given, what must be found, and which rule fits the problem.
24.4 Whole-number values
Whole-number values is a Grade 6 mathematics idea in Evaluating Algebraic Expressions. The goal is to understand the meaning, choose a suitable strategy, show the steps clearly, and check that the result is reasonable. In this Grade 6 lesson, focus on meaning first, then use a small example, show the steps, and check whether the result fits the question.
Beginner Note
Identify what is given, what must be found, and which rule or representation fits this topic. Work one step at a time and explain why each step is valid.
10 Worked Examples with Answers and Very-Beginner Explanations
Worked Example 1
Problem: Use Whole-number values to analyze the values 29 and 2. What should be checked first?
- Identify what each value represents.
- Choose the rule, representation, or comparison that matches the topic.
- Show the reasoning before accepting the result.
Very beginner explanation: Whole-number values is a Grade 6 mathematics idea in Evaluating Algebraic Expressions. The goal is to understand the meaning, choose a suitable strategy, show the steps clearly, and check that the result is reasonable.
Answer: Check the meaning of the values and the rule required by the problem.
Worked Example 2
Problem: Use Whole-number values to analyze the values 10 and 18. What should be checked first?
- Identify what each value represents.
- Choose the rule, representation, or comparison that matches the topic.
- Show the reasoning before accepting the result.
Very beginner explanation: Whole-number values is a Grade 6 mathematics idea in Evaluating Algebraic Expressions. The goal is to understand the meaning, choose a suitable strategy, show the steps clearly, and check that the result is reasonable.
Answer: Check the meaning of the values and the rule required by the problem.
Worked Example 3
Problem: Use Whole-number values to analyze the values 23 and 12. What should be checked first?
- Identify what each value represents.
- Choose the rule, representation, or comparison that matches the topic.
- Show the reasoning before accepting the result.
Very beginner explanation: Whole-number values is a Grade 6 mathematics idea in Evaluating Algebraic Expressions. The goal is to understand the meaning, choose a suitable strategy, show the steps clearly, and check that the result is reasonable.
Answer: Check the meaning of the values and the rule required by the problem.
Worked Example 4
Problem: Use Whole-number values to analyze the values 13 and 19. What should be checked first?
- Identify what each value represents.
- Choose the rule, representation, or comparison that matches the topic.
- Show the reasoning before accepting the result.
Very beginner explanation: Whole-number values is a Grade 6 mathematics idea in Evaluating Algebraic Expressions. The goal is to understand the meaning, choose a suitable strategy, show the steps clearly, and check that the result is reasonable.
Answer: Check the meaning of the values and the rule required by the problem.
Worked Example 5
Problem: Use Whole-number values to analyze the values 16 and 12. What should be checked first?
- Identify what each value represents.
- Choose the rule, representation, or comparison that matches the topic.
- Show the reasoning before accepting the result.
Very beginner explanation: Whole-number values is a Grade 6 mathematics idea in Evaluating Algebraic Expressions. The goal is to understand the meaning, choose a suitable strategy, show the steps clearly, and check that the result is reasonable.
Answer: Check the meaning of the values and the rule required by the problem.
Worked Example 6
Problem: Use Whole-number values to analyze the values 21 and 6. What should be checked first?
- Identify what each value represents.
- Choose the rule, representation, or comparison that matches the topic.
- Show the reasoning before accepting the result.
Very beginner explanation: Whole-number values is a Grade 6 mathematics idea in Evaluating Algebraic Expressions. The goal is to understand the meaning, choose a suitable strategy, show the steps clearly, and check that the result is reasonable.
Answer: Check the meaning of the values and the rule required by the problem.
Worked Example 7
Problem: Use Whole-number values to analyze the values 26 and 5. What should be checked first?
- Identify what each value represents.
- Choose the rule, representation, or comparison that matches the topic.
- Show the reasoning before accepting the result.
Very beginner explanation: Whole-number values is a Grade 6 mathematics idea in Evaluating Algebraic Expressions. The goal is to understand the meaning, choose a suitable strategy, show the steps clearly, and check that the result is reasonable.
Answer: Check the meaning of the values and the rule required by the problem.
Worked Example 8
Problem: Use Whole-number values to analyze the values 8 and 13. What should be checked first?
- Identify what each value represents.
- Choose the rule, representation, or comparison that matches the topic.
- Show the reasoning before accepting the result.
Very beginner explanation: Whole-number values is a Grade 6 mathematics idea in Evaluating Algebraic Expressions. The goal is to understand the meaning, choose a suitable strategy, show the steps clearly, and check that the result is reasonable.
Answer: Check the meaning of the values and the rule required by the problem.
Worked Example 9
Problem: Use Whole-number values to analyze the values 23 and 20. What should be checked first?
- Identify what each value represents.
- Choose the rule, representation, or comparison that matches the topic.
- Show the reasoning before accepting the result.
Very beginner explanation: Whole-number values is a Grade 6 mathematics idea in Evaluating Algebraic Expressions. The goal is to understand the meaning, choose a suitable strategy, show the steps clearly, and check that the result is reasonable.
Answer: Check the meaning of the values and the rule required by the problem.
Worked Example 10
Problem: Use Whole-number values to analyze the values 21 and 20. What should be checked first?
- Identify what each value represents.
- Choose the rule, representation, or comparison that matches the topic.
- Show the reasoning before accepting the result.
Very beginner explanation: Whole-number values is a Grade 6 mathematics idea in Evaluating Algebraic Expressions. The goal is to understand the meaning, choose a suitable strategy, show the steps clearly, and check that the result is reasonable.
Answer: Check the meaning of the values and the rule required by the problem.
Practice Exercise
Create one new Grade 6 problem about Whole-number values. Solve it step by step, label any units, and explain how you checked your answer.
Common Mistake
A common mistake is starting a calculation before identifying what is given, what must be found, and which rule fits the problem.
24.5 Using brackets in expressions
An algebraic expression combines numbers, variables, and operations without an equals sign. In this Grade 6 lesson, focus on meaning first, then use a small example, show the steps, and check whether the result fits the question.
Beginner Note
Identify what is given, what must be found, and which rule or representation fits this topic. Work one step at a time and explain why each step is valid.
10 Worked Examples with Answers and Very-Beginner Explanations
Worked Example 1
Problem: Evaluate 3x + 4 when x = 5.
- Replace x with 5.
- Follow order of operations.
- Calculate carefully.
Very beginner explanation: Substitution replaces a variable with a known value before calculating.
Answer: 19
Worked Example 2
Problem: Evaluate 2n + 7 when n = 6.
- Replace n with 6.
- Follow order of operations.
- Calculate carefully.
Very beginner explanation: Substitution replaces a variable with a known value before calculating.
Answer: 19
Worked Example 3
Problem: Evaluate 5a - 3 when a = 4.
- Replace a with 4.
- Follow order of operations.
- Calculate carefully.
Very beginner explanation: Substitution replaces a variable with a known value before calculating.
Answer: 17
Worked Example 4
Problem: Evaluate 4p + 1 when p = 8.
- Replace p with 8.
- Follow order of operations.
- Calculate carefully.
Very beginner explanation: Substitution replaces a variable with a known value before calculating.
Answer: 33
Worked Example 5
Problem: Evaluate 6m - 5 when m = 3.
- Replace m with 3.
- Follow order of operations.
- Calculate carefully.
Very beginner explanation: Substitution replaces a variable with a known value before calculating.
Answer: 13
Worked Example 6
Problem: Evaluate 2.5x + 1 when x = 4.
- Replace x with 4.
- Follow order of operations.
- Calculate carefully.
Very beginner explanation: Substitution replaces a variable with a known value before calculating.
Answer: 11
Worked Example 7
Problem: Evaluate 7q + 2 when q = 2.
- Replace q with 2.
- Follow order of operations.
- Calculate carefully.
Very beginner explanation: Substitution replaces a variable with a known value before calculating.
Answer: 16
Worked Example 8
Problem: Evaluate 3r - 1 when r = 9.
- Replace r with 9.
- Follow order of operations.
- Calculate carefully.
Very beginner explanation: Substitution replaces a variable with a known value before calculating.
Answer: 26
Worked Example 9
Problem: Evaluate 4y + 6 when y = 5.
- Replace y with 5.
- Follow order of operations.
- Calculate carefully.
Very beginner explanation: Substitution replaces a variable with a known value before calculating.
Answer: 26
Worked Example 10
Problem: Evaluate 8k - 4 when k = 3.
- Replace k with 3.
- Follow order of operations.
- Calculate carefully.
Very beginner explanation: Substitution replaces a variable with a known value before calculating.
Answer: 20
Practice Exercise
Create one new Grade 6 problem about Using brackets in expressions. Solve it step by step, label any units, and explain how you checked your answer.
Common Mistake
A common mistake is starting a calculation before identifying what is given, what must be found, and which rule fits the problem.
24.6 Multiplication written without a symbol
Multiplication written without a symbol is a Grade 6 mathematics idea in Evaluating Algebraic Expressions. The goal is to understand the meaning, choose a suitable strategy, show the steps clearly, and check that the result is reasonable. In this Grade 6 lesson, focus on meaning first, then use a small example, show the steps, and check whether the result fits the question.
Beginner Note
Identify what is given, what must be found, and which rule or representation fits this topic. Work one step at a time and explain why each step is valid.
10 Worked Examples with Answers and Very-Beginner Explanations
Worked Example 1
Problem: Find 1% of 80.
- Think of 1% as 1/100.
- Multiply the quantity by the percent as a decimal or fraction.
Very beginner explanation: Percent means per hundred, so benchmark percents can often be found mentally.
Answer: 0.8
Worked Example 2
Problem: Find 5% of 120.
- Think of 5% as 5/100.
- Multiply the quantity by the percent as a decimal or fraction.
Very beginner explanation: Percent means per hundred, so benchmark percents can often be found mentally.
Answer: 6
Worked Example 3
Problem: Find 10% of 64.
- Think of 10% as 10/100.
- Multiply the quantity by the percent as a decimal or fraction.
Very beginner explanation: Percent means per hundred, so benchmark percents can often be found mentally.
Answer: 6.4
Worked Example 4
Problem: Find 20% of 250.
- Think of 20% as 20/100.
- Multiply the quantity by the percent as a decimal or fraction.
Very beginner explanation: Percent means per hundred, so benchmark percents can often be found mentally.
Answer: 50
Worked Example 5
Problem: Find 25% of 96.
- Think of 25% as 25/100.
- Multiply the quantity by the percent as a decimal or fraction.
Very beginner explanation: Percent means per hundred, so benchmark percents can often be found mentally.
Answer: 24
Worked Example 6
Problem: Find 50% of 40.
- Think of 50% as 50/100.
- Multiply the quantity by the percent as a decimal or fraction.
Very beginner explanation: Percent means per hundred, so benchmark percents can often be found mentally.
Answer: 20
Worked Example 7
Problem: Find 75% of 200.
- Think of 75% as 75/100.
- Multiply the quantity by the percent as a decimal or fraction.
Very beginner explanation: Percent means per hundred, so benchmark percents can often be found mentally.
Answer: 150
Worked Example 8
Problem: Find 15% of 60.
- Think of 15% as 15/100.
- Multiply the quantity by the percent as a decimal or fraction.
Very beginner explanation: Percent means per hundred, so benchmark percents can often be found mentally.
Answer: 9
Worked Example 9
Problem: Find 30% of 150.
- Think of 30% as 30/100.
- Multiply the quantity by the percent as a decimal or fraction.
Very beginner explanation: Percent means per hundred, so benchmark percents can often be found mentally.
Answer: 45
Worked Example 10
Problem: Find 40% of 90.
- Think of 40% as 40/100.
- Multiply the quantity by the percent as a decimal or fraction.
Very beginner explanation: Percent means per hundred, so benchmark percents can often be found mentally.
Answer: 36
Practice Exercise
Create one new Grade 6 problem about Multiplication written without a symbol. Solve it step by step, label any units, and explain how you checked your answer.
Common Mistake
A common mistake is starting a calculation before identifying what is given, what must be found, and which rule fits the problem.
24.7 Expression tables
An algebraic expression combines numbers, variables, and operations without an equals sign. In this Grade 6 lesson, focus on meaning first, then use a small example, show the steps, and check whether the result fits the question.
Beginner Note
Identify what is given, what must be found, and which rule or representation fits this topic. Work one step at a time and explain why each step is valid.
10 Worked Examples with Answers and Very-Beginner Explanations
Worked Example 1
Problem: Evaluate 3x + 4 when x = 5.
- Replace x with 5.
- Follow order of operations.
- Calculate carefully.
Very beginner explanation: Substitution replaces a variable with a known value before calculating.
Answer: 19
Worked Example 2
Problem: Evaluate 2n + 7 when n = 6.
- Replace n with 6.
- Follow order of operations.
- Calculate carefully.
Very beginner explanation: Substitution replaces a variable with a known value before calculating.
Answer: 19
Worked Example 3
Problem: Evaluate 5a - 3 when a = 4.
- Replace a with 4.
- Follow order of operations.
- Calculate carefully.
Very beginner explanation: Substitution replaces a variable with a known value before calculating.
Answer: 17
Worked Example 4
Problem: Evaluate 4p + 1 when p = 8.
- Replace p with 8.
- Follow order of operations.
- Calculate carefully.
Very beginner explanation: Substitution replaces a variable with a known value before calculating.
Answer: 33
Worked Example 5
Problem: Evaluate 6m - 5 when m = 3.
- Replace m with 3.
- Follow order of operations.
- Calculate carefully.
Very beginner explanation: Substitution replaces a variable with a known value before calculating.
Answer: 13
Worked Example 6
Problem: Evaluate 2.5x + 1 when x = 4.
- Replace x with 4.
- Follow order of operations.
- Calculate carefully.
Very beginner explanation: Substitution replaces a variable with a known value before calculating.
Answer: 11
Worked Example 7
Problem: Evaluate 7q + 2 when q = 2.
- Replace q with 2.
- Follow order of operations.
- Calculate carefully.
Very beginner explanation: Substitution replaces a variable with a known value before calculating.
Answer: 16
Worked Example 8
Problem: Evaluate 3r - 1 when r = 9.
- Replace r with 9.
- Follow order of operations.
- Calculate carefully.
Very beginner explanation: Substitution replaces a variable with a known value before calculating.
Answer: 26
Worked Example 9
Problem: Evaluate 4y + 6 when y = 5.
- Replace y with 5.
- Follow order of operations.
- Calculate carefully.
Very beginner explanation: Substitution replaces a variable with a known value before calculating.
Answer: 26
Worked Example 10
Problem: Evaluate 8k - 4 when k = 3.
- Replace k with 3.
- Follow order of operations.
- Calculate carefully.
Very beginner explanation: Substitution replaces a variable with a known value before calculating.
Answer: 20
Practice Exercise
Create one new Grade 6 problem about Expression tables. Solve it step by step, label any units, and explain how you checked your answer.
Common Mistake
A common mistake is starting a calculation before identifying what is given, what must be found, and which rule fits the problem.
24.8 Checking substituted values
Checking substituted values is a Grade 6 mathematics idea in Evaluating Algebraic Expressions. The goal is to understand the meaning, choose a suitable strategy, show the steps clearly, and check that the result is reasonable. In this Grade 6 lesson, focus on meaning first, then use a small example, show the steps, and check whether the result fits the question.
Beginner Note
Identify what is given, what must be found, and which rule or representation fits this topic. Work one step at a time and explain why each step is valid.
10 Worked Examples with Answers and Very-Beginner Explanations
Worked Example 1
Problem: Use Checking substituted values to analyze the values 15 and 11. What should be checked first?
- Identify what each value represents.
- Choose the rule, representation, or comparison that matches the topic.
- Show the reasoning before accepting the result.
Very beginner explanation: Checking substituted values is a Grade 6 mathematics idea in Evaluating Algebraic Expressions. The goal is to understand the meaning, choose a suitable strategy, show the steps clearly, and check that the result is reasonable.
Answer: Check the meaning of the values and the rule required by the problem.
Worked Example 2
Problem: Use Checking substituted values to analyze the values 28 and 6. What should be checked first?
- Identify what each value represents.
- Choose the rule, representation, or comparison that matches the topic.
- Show the reasoning before accepting the result.
Very beginner explanation: Checking substituted values is a Grade 6 mathematics idea in Evaluating Algebraic Expressions. The goal is to understand the meaning, choose a suitable strategy, show the steps clearly, and check that the result is reasonable.
Answer: Check the meaning of the values and the rule required by the problem.
Worked Example 3
Problem: Use Checking substituted values to analyze the values 9 and 6. What should be checked first?
- Identify what each value represents.
- Choose the rule, representation, or comparison that matches the topic.
- Show the reasoning before accepting the result.
Very beginner explanation: Checking substituted values is a Grade 6 mathematics idea in Evaluating Algebraic Expressions. The goal is to understand the meaning, choose a suitable strategy, show the steps clearly, and check that the result is reasonable.
Answer: Check the meaning of the values and the rule required by the problem.
Worked Example 4
Problem: Use Checking substituted values to analyze the values 15 and 20. What should be checked first?
- Identify what each value represents.
- Choose the rule, representation, or comparison that matches the topic.
- Show the reasoning before accepting the result.
Very beginner explanation: Checking substituted values is a Grade 6 mathematics idea in Evaluating Algebraic Expressions. The goal is to understand the meaning, choose a suitable strategy, show the steps clearly, and check that the result is reasonable.
Answer: Check the meaning of the values and the rule required by the problem.
Worked Example 5
Problem: Use Checking substituted values to analyze the values 10 and 18. What should be checked first?
- Identify what each value represents.
- Choose the rule, representation, or comparison that matches the topic.
- Show the reasoning before accepting the result.
Very beginner explanation: Checking substituted values is a Grade 6 mathematics idea in Evaluating Algebraic Expressions. The goal is to understand the meaning, choose a suitable strategy, show the steps clearly, and check that the result is reasonable.
Answer: Check the meaning of the values and the rule required by the problem.
Worked Example 6
Problem: Use Checking substituted values to analyze the values 29 and 7. What should be checked first?
- Identify what each value represents.
- Choose the rule, representation, or comparison that matches the topic.
- Show the reasoning before accepting the result.
Very beginner explanation: Checking substituted values is a Grade 6 mathematics idea in Evaluating Algebraic Expressions. The goal is to understand the meaning, choose a suitable strategy, show the steps clearly, and check that the result is reasonable.
Answer: Check the meaning of the values and the rule required by the problem.
Worked Example 7
Problem: Use Checking substituted values to analyze the values 7 and 20. What should be checked first?
- Identify what each value represents.
- Choose the rule, representation, or comparison that matches the topic.
- Show the reasoning before accepting the result.
Very beginner explanation: Checking substituted values is a Grade 6 mathematics idea in Evaluating Algebraic Expressions. The goal is to understand the meaning, choose a suitable strategy, show the steps clearly, and check that the result is reasonable.
Answer: Check the meaning of the values and the rule required by the problem.
Worked Example 8
Problem: Use Checking substituted values to analyze the values 27 and 11. What should be checked first?
- Identify what each value represents.
- Choose the rule, representation, or comparison that matches the topic.
- Show the reasoning before accepting the result.
Very beginner explanation: Checking substituted values is a Grade 6 mathematics idea in Evaluating Algebraic Expressions. The goal is to understand the meaning, choose a suitable strategy, show the steps clearly, and check that the result is reasonable.
Answer: Check the meaning of the values and the rule required by the problem.
Worked Example 9
Problem: Use Checking substituted values to analyze the values 15 and 13. What should be checked first?
- Identify what each value represents.
- Choose the rule, representation, or comparison that matches the topic.
- Show the reasoning before accepting the result.
Very beginner explanation: Checking substituted values is a Grade 6 mathematics idea in Evaluating Algebraic Expressions. The goal is to understand the meaning, choose a suitable strategy, show the steps clearly, and check that the result is reasonable.
Answer: Check the meaning of the values and the rule required by the problem.
Worked Example 10
Problem: Use Checking substituted values to analyze the values 3 and 13. What should be checked first?
- Identify what each value represents.
- Choose the rule, representation, or comparison that matches the topic.
- Show the reasoning before accepting the result.
Very beginner explanation: Checking substituted values is a Grade 6 mathematics idea in Evaluating Algebraic Expressions. The goal is to understand the meaning, choose a suitable strategy, show the steps clearly, and check that the result is reasonable.
Answer: Check the meaning of the values and the rule required by the problem.
Practice Exercise
Create one new Grade 6 problem about Checking substituted values. Solve it step by step, label any units, and explain how you checked your answer.
Common Mistake
A common mistake is starting a calculation before identifying what is given, what must be found, and which rule fits the problem.
24.9 Expressions from word problems
An algebraic expression combines numbers, variables, and operations without an equals sign. In this Grade 6 lesson, focus on meaning first, then use a small example, show the steps, and check whether the result fits the question.
Beginner Note
Identify what is given, what must be found, and which rule or representation fits this topic. Work one step at a time and explain why each step is valid.
10 Worked Examples with Answers and Very-Beginner Explanations
Worked Example 1
Problem: Evaluate 3x + 4 when x = 5.
- Replace x with 5.
- Follow order of operations.
- Calculate carefully.
Very beginner explanation: Substitution replaces a variable with a known value before calculating.
Answer: 19
Worked Example 2
Problem: Evaluate 2n + 7 when n = 6.
- Replace n with 6.
- Follow order of operations.
- Calculate carefully.
Very beginner explanation: Substitution replaces a variable with a known value before calculating.
Answer: 19
Worked Example 3
Problem: Evaluate 5a - 3 when a = 4.
- Replace a with 4.
- Follow order of operations.
- Calculate carefully.
Very beginner explanation: Substitution replaces a variable with a known value before calculating.
Answer: 17
Worked Example 4
Problem: Evaluate 4p + 1 when p = 8.
- Replace p with 8.
- Follow order of operations.
- Calculate carefully.
Very beginner explanation: Substitution replaces a variable with a known value before calculating.
Answer: 33
Worked Example 5
Problem: Evaluate 6m - 5 when m = 3.
- Replace m with 3.
- Follow order of operations.
- Calculate carefully.
Very beginner explanation: Substitution replaces a variable with a known value before calculating.
Answer: 13
Worked Example 6
Problem: Evaluate 2.5x + 1 when x = 4.
- Replace x with 4.
- Follow order of operations.
- Calculate carefully.
Very beginner explanation: Substitution replaces a variable with a known value before calculating.
Answer: 11
Worked Example 7
Problem: Evaluate 7q + 2 when q = 2.
- Replace q with 2.
- Follow order of operations.
- Calculate carefully.
Very beginner explanation: Substitution replaces a variable with a known value before calculating.
Answer: 16
Worked Example 8
Problem: Evaluate 3r - 1 when r = 9.
- Replace r with 9.
- Follow order of operations.
- Calculate carefully.
Very beginner explanation: Substitution replaces a variable with a known value before calculating.
Answer: 26
Worked Example 9
Problem: Evaluate 4y + 6 when y = 5.
- Replace y with 5.
- Follow order of operations.
- Calculate carefully.
Very beginner explanation: Substitution replaces a variable with a known value before calculating.
Answer: 26
Worked Example 10
Problem: Evaluate 8k - 4 when k = 3.
- Replace k with 3.
- Follow order of operations.
- Calculate carefully.
Very beginner explanation: Substitution replaces a variable with a known value before calculating.
Answer: 20
Practice Exercise
Create one new Grade 6 problem about Expressions from word problems. Solve it step by step, label any units, and explain how you checked your answer.
Common Mistake
A common mistake is starting a calculation before identifying what is given, what must be found, and which rule fits the problem.
24.10 Area expressions
An algebraic expression combines numbers, variables, and operations without an equals sign. In this Grade 6 lesson, focus on meaning first, then use a small example, show the steps, and check whether the result fits the question.
Beginner Note
Identify what is given, what must be found, and which rule or representation fits this topic. Work one step at a time and explain why each step is valid.
10 Worked Examples with Answers and Very-Beginner Explanations
Worked Example 1
Problem: Evaluate 3x + 4 when x = 5.
- Replace x with 5.
- Follow order of operations.
- Calculate carefully.
Very beginner explanation: Substitution replaces a variable with a known value before calculating.
Answer: 19
Worked Example 2
Problem: Evaluate 2n + 7 when n = 6.
- Replace n with 6.
- Follow order of operations.
- Calculate carefully.
Very beginner explanation: Substitution replaces a variable with a known value before calculating.
Answer: 19
Worked Example 3
Problem: Evaluate 5a - 3 when a = 4.
- Replace a with 4.
- Follow order of operations.
- Calculate carefully.
Very beginner explanation: Substitution replaces a variable with a known value before calculating.
Answer: 17
Worked Example 4
Problem: Evaluate 4p + 1 when p = 8.
- Replace p with 8.
- Follow order of operations.
- Calculate carefully.
Very beginner explanation: Substitution replaces a variable with a known value before calculating.
Answer: 33
Worked Example 5
Problem: Evaluate 6m - 5 when m = 3.
- Replace m with 3.
- Follow order of operations.
- Calculate carefully.
Very beginner explanation: Substitution replaces a variable with a known value before calculating.
Answer: 13
Worked Example 6
Problem: Evaluate 2.5x + 1 when x = 4.
- Replace x with 4.
- Follow order of operations.
- Calculate carefully.
Very beginner explanation: Substitution replaces a variable with a known value before calculating.
Answer: 11
Worked Example 7
Problem: Evaluate 7q + 2 when q = 2.
- Replace q with 2.
- Follow order of operations.
- Calculate carefully.
Very beginner explanation: Substitution replaces a variable with a known value before calculating.
Answer: 16
Worked Example 8
Problem: Evaluate 3r - 1 when r = 9.
- Replace r with 9.
- Follow order of operations.
- Calculate carefully.
Very beginner explanation: Substitution replaces a variable with a known value before calculating.
Answer: 26
Worked Example 9
Problem: Evaluate 4y + 6 when y = 5.
- Replace y with 5.
- Follow order of operations.
- Calculate carefully.
Very beginner explanation: Substitution replaces a variable with a known value before calculating.
Answer: 26
Worked Example 10
Problem: Evaluate 8k - 4 when k = 3.
- Replace k with 3.
- Follow order of operations.
- Calculate carefully.
Very beginner explanation: Substitution replaces a variable with a known value before calculating.
Answer: 20
Practice Exercise
Create one new Grade 6 problem about Area expressions. Solve it step by step, label any units, and explain how you checked your answer.
Common Mistake
A common mistake is using the wrong formula or forgetting square units for area.
24.11 Cost expressions
An algebraic expression combines numbers, variables, and operations without an equals sign. In this Grade 6 lesson, focus on meaning first, then use a small example, show the steps, and check whether the result fits the question.
Beginner Note
Identify what is given, what must be found, and which rule or representation fits this topic. Work one step at a time and explain why each step is valid.
10 Worked Examples with Answers and Very-Beginner Explanations
Worked Example 1
Problem: Evaluate 3x + 4 when x = 5.
- Replace x with 5.
- Follow order of operations.
- Calculate carefully.
Very beginner explanation: Substitution replaces a variable with a known value before calculating.
Answer: 19
Worked Example 2
Problem: Evaluate 2n + 7 when n = 6.
- Replace n with 6.
- Follow order of operations.
- Calculate carefully.
Very beginner explanation: Substitution replaces a variable with a known value before calculating.
Answer: 19
Worked Example 3
Problem: Evaluate 5a - 3 when a = 4.
- Replace a with 4.
- Follow order of operations.
- Calculate carefully.
Very beginner explanation: Substitution replaces a variable with a known value before calculating.
Answer: 17
Worked Example 4
Problem: Evaluate 4p + 1 when p = 8.
- Replace p with 8.
- Follow order of operations.
- Calculate carefully.
Very beginner explanation: Substitution replaces a variable with a known value before calculating.
Answer: 33
Worked Example 5
Problem: Evaluate 6m - 5 when m = 3.
- Replace m with 3.
- Follow order of operations.
- Calculate carefully.
Very beginner explanation: Substitution replaces a variable with a known value before calculating.
Answer: 13
Worked Example 6
Problem: Evaluate 2.5x + 1 when x = 4.
- Replace x with 4.
- Follow order of operations.
- Calculate carefully.
Very beginner explanation: Substitution replaces a variable with a known value before calculating.
Answer: 11
Worked Example 7
Problem: Evaluate 7q + 2 when q = 2.
- Replace q with 2.
- Follow order of operations.
- Calculate carefully.
Very beginner explanation: Substitution replaces a variable with a known value before calculating.
Answer: 16
Worked Example 8
Problem: Evaluate 3r - 1 when r = 9.
- Replace r with 9.
- Follow order of operations.
- Calculate carefully.
Very beginner explanation: Substitution replaces a variable with a known value before calculating.
Answer: 26
Worked Example 9
Problem: Evaluate 4y + 6 when y = 5.
- Replace y with 5.
- Follow order of operations.
- Calculate carefully.
Very beginner explanation: Substitution replaces a variable with a known value before calculating.
Answer: 26
Worked Example 10
Problem: Evaluate 8k - 4 when k = 3.
- Replace k with 3.
- Follow order of operations.
- Calculate carefully.
Very beginner explanation: Substitution replaces a variable with a known value before calculating.
Answer: 20
Practice Exercise
Create one new Grade 6 problem about Cost expressions. Solve it step by step, label any units, and explain how you checked your answer.
Common Mistake
A common mistake is starting a calculation before identifying what is given, what must be found, and which rule fits the problem.
24.12 Real-life expression evaluation
An algebraic expression combines numbers, variables, and operations without an equals sign. In this Grade 6 lesson, focus on meaning first, then use a small example, show the steps, and check whether the result fits the question.
Beginner Note
Identify what is given, what must be found, and which rule or representation fits this topic. Work one step at a time and explain why each step is valid.
10 Worked Examples with Answers and Very-Beginner Explanations
Worked Example 1
Problem: Evaluate 3x + 4 when x = 5.
- Replace x with 5.
- Follow order of operations.
- Calculate carefully.
Very beginner explanation: Substitution replaces a variable with a known value before calculating.
Answer: 19
Worked Example 2
Problem: Evaluate 2n + 7 when n = 6.
- Replace n with 6.
- Follow order of operations.
- Calculate carefully.
Very beginner explanation: Substitution replaces a variable with a known value before calculating.
Answer: 19
Worked Example 3
Problem: Evaluate 5a - 3 when a = 4.
- Replace a with 4.
- Follow order of operations.
- Calculate carefully.
Very beginner explanation: Substitution replaces a variable with a known value before calculating.
Answer: 17
Worked Example 4
Problem: Evaluate 4p + 1 when p = 8.
- Replace p with 8.
- Follow order of operations.
- Calculate carefully.
Very beginner explanation: Substitution replaces a variable with a known value before calculating.
Answer: 33
Worked Example 5
Problem: Evaluate 6m - 5 when m = 3.
- Replace m with 3.
- Follow order of operations.
- Calculate carefully.
Very beginner explanation: Substitution replaces a variable with a known value before calculating.
Answer: 13
Worked Example 6
Problem: Evaluate 2.5x + 1 when x = 4.
- Replace x with 4.
- Follow order of operations.
- Calculate carefully.
Very beginner explanation: Substitution replaces a variable with a known value before calculating.
Answer: 11
Worked Example 7
Problem: Evaluate 7q + 2 when q = 2.
- Replace q with 2.
- Follow order of operations.
- Calculate carefully.
Very beginner explanation: Substitution replaces a variable with a known value before calculating.
Answer: 16
Worked Example 8
Problem: Evaluate 3r - 1 when r = 9.
- Replace r with 9.
- Follow order of operations.
- Calculate carefully.
Very beginner explanation: Substitution replaces a variable with a known value before calculating.
Answer: 26
Worked Example 9
Problem: Evaluate 4y + 6 when y = 5.
- Replace y with 5.
- Follow order of operations.
- Calculate carefully.
Very beginner explanation: Substitution replaces a variable with a known value before calculating.
Answer: 26
Worked Example 10
Problem: Evaluate 8k - 4 when k = 3.
- Replace k with 3.
- Follow order of operations.
- Calculate carefully.
Very beginner explanation: Substitution replaces a variable with a known value before calculating.
Answer: 20
Practice Exercise
Create one new Grade 6 problem about Real-life expression evaluation. Solve it step by step, label any units, and explain how you checked your answer.
Common Mistake
A common mistake is starting a calculation before identifying what is given, what must be found, and which rule fits the problem.
30 Review Questions and Answers
Q1. What is important to understand about Substitution?
Answer: Substitution is a Grade 6 mathematics idea in Evaluating Algebraic Expressions. The goal is to understand the meaning, choose a suitable strategy, show the steps clearly, and check that the result is reasonable.
Q2. What is important to understand about Evaluating one-variable expressions?
Answer: A variable is a symbol used to represent a number that may change or may be unknown.
Q3. What is important to understand about Evaluating two-variable expressions?
Answer: A variable is a symbol used to represent a number that may change or may be unknown.
Q4. What is important to understand about Whole-number values?
Answer: Whole-number values is a Grade 6 mathematics idea in Evaluating Algebraic Expressions. The goal is to understand the meaning, choose a suitable strategy, show the steps clearly, and check that the result is reasonable.
Q5. What is important to understand about Using brackets in expressions?
Answer: An algebraic expression combines numbers, variables, and operations without an equals sign.
Q6. What is important to understand about Multiplication written without a symbol?
Answer: Multiplication written without a symbol is a Grade 6 mathematics idea in Evaluating Algebraic Expressions. The goal is to understand the meaning, choose a suitable strategy, show the steps clearly, and check that the result is reasonable.
Q7. What is important to understand about Expression tables?
Answer: An algebraic expression combines numbers, variables, and operations without an equals sign.
Q8. What is important to understand about Checking substituted values?
Answer: Checking substituted values is a Grade 6 mathematics idea in Evaluating Algebraic Expressions. The goal is to understand the meaning, choose a suitable strategy, show the steps clearly, and check that the result is reasonable.
Q9. What is important to understand about Expressions from word problems?
Answer: An algebraic expression combines numbers, variables, and operations without an equals sign.
Q10. What is important to understand about Area expressions?
Answer: An algebraic expression combines numbers, variables, and operations without an equals sign.
Q11. What is important to understand about Cost expressions?
Answer: An algebraic expression combines numbers, variables, and operations without an equals sign.
Q12. What is important to understand about Real-life expression evaluation?
Answer: An algebraic expression combines numbers, variables, and operations without an equals sign.
Q13. Why should you show your steps?
Answer: Showing steps makes reasoning easier to verify and helps locate mistakes.
Q14. Why is estimation useful?
Answer: Estimation helps you judge whether a final answer is reasonable before accepting it.
Q15. Why do units matter?
Answer: Units tell what a value measures and help prevent incompatible quantities from being mixed.
Q16. When should you round?
Answer: Usually round near the end unless the question specifically asks for earlier rounding.
Q17. How can you check an answer?
Answer: Use an inverse operation, substitution, estimation, a graph, a table, or a second method.
Q18. What should you identify first in a word problem?
Answer: Identify what is known, what is unknown, and the relationship connecting them.
Q19. What makes a final answer complete?
Answer: Give the value, correct units when needed, and a brief interpretation in context.
Q20. What should you do if an answer seems unreasonable?
Answer: Re-read the question and check copied values, operations, signs, units, rules, and calculations.
Q21. Why are diagrams useful?
Answer: A labelled diagram can reveal relationships that are harder to see in words alone.
Q22. Why are tables useful?
Answer: Tables organize values so patterns, rates, comparisons, and missing information are easier to see.
Q23. Why are graphs useful?
Answer: Graphs make relationships, changes, trends, and comparisons visible.
Q24. Why should you explain your reasoning?
Answer: An explanation shows why a method works instead of only giving a final number.
Q25. Why can more than one strategy be correct?
Answer: Different correct strategies can represent the same mathematics in different but equivalent ways.
Q26. What should you do before using a formula or rule?
Answer: Check what each quantity means and whether the rule matches the situation.
Q27. How does practice help in mathematics?
Answer: Practice builds accuracy and fluency while helping you recognize which strategies fit different problems.
Q28. What is a good way to learn from a mistake?
Answer: Find the exact step where the reasoning changed from correct to incorrect, then solve a similar problem again.
Q29. Why should you compare an exact answer with an estimate?
Answer: The estimate gives a quick reasonableness check for the exact calculation.
Q30. What does representing mathematics mean?
Answer: It means showing an idea with numbers, symbols, words, diagrams, tables, graphs, or models.