Algebra variables brackets and negatives

Algebra variable substitution with negatives, brackets, and exponents

The math skill being taught involves algebraic variable substitution with negatives, brackets, and exponents. The skill focuses on the correct substitution of given values for variables, managing signs during squaring, and following the order of operations to simplify expressions involving both exponents and multiplication.

Learn algebra variables brackets and negatives

Teaching Transcript

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If 'X' is 3 and 'Y' is negative 4, what does this equation become?

First let's substitute our variables. For the squared terms, remember it is just the variable that is being squared, so we can put brackets around the negative number to make that clear

Now, remembering our order of operations, we'll solve what's in the brackets first. Within the brackets, it's the exponents that we'll do first. Negative 4, squared, is a positive 16.

We can multiply next, and since the negative 4 squared resulted in a positive, we are now subtracting 64

Which leaves negative 1 in the brackets. Negative 1 cubed is negative 1

Skill Practice

Algebra variable substitution with negatives, brackets, and exponents

Test your understanding of algebra variables brackets and negatives by practicing it! Work through the below exercises to use it in practice.