- The main idea of this section is the introduction of a variable (see
Example 1). It is difficult to do much mathematics without using variables.
We can't overemphasize the importance this idea. Read this entire section
carefully, and then reread it.
- The second idea of this section is translating words into algebraic
statements.
- Finally, to evaluate a variable expression means to replace the variable
(or variables) by given numerical values. Then, to carry out all the
operations (according to the extended order of operations agreement),
and to write the answer as a simplified number.
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