Evaluate numerical expressions involving integers
key notes:
- Definition:
- A numerical expression is a mathematical phrase that includes numbers and operations (such as addition, subtraction, multiplication, and division) but does not include an equals sign.
- Order of Operations:
- To correctly evaluate numerical expressions, follow the order of operations, often remembered by the acronym PEMDAS:
- Parentheses
- Exponents (not typically covered in 6th grade, but it’s good to be aware)
- Multiplication and Division (from left to right)
- Addition and Subtraction (from left to right)
- To correctly evaluate numerical expressions, follow the order of operations, often remembered by the acronym PEMDAS:
Steps to Evaluate Numerical Expressions
- Step 1: Parentheses
- Solve expressions inside parentheses first.
- Example: (3+4)×2
- Step 2: Multiplication and Division
- Perform all multiplication and division from left to right.
- Example: 3+4×2
- Step 3: Addition and Subtraction
- Perform all addition and subtraction from left to right.
- Example: 3+(4×2)
Example Problems
- Simple Example:
- 5+3×2
- First, multiply: 3×2=6
- Then, add: 5+6=11
- 5+3×2
- With Parentheses:
- (2+3)×4
- First, solve inside parentheses: 2+3=5
- Then, multiply: 5×4=20
- (2+3)×4
- Multiple Operations:
- 6−2×3+4÷2
- First, multiply and divide from left to right:
- 2×3=6
- 4÷2=2
- Then, add and subtract from left to right:
- 6−6+2=0+2=2
- First, multiply and divide from left to right:
- 6−2×3+4÷2
Tips for Students
- Write Clearly:
- Write each step of your work to avoid mistakes.
- Double-Check:
- Always double-check each operation to ensure accuracy.
- Use Parentheses:
- When in doubt, use parentheses to clarify the order of operations.
- Practice:
- Regular practice with different types of problems helps reinforce the rules.
Learn with an example
🔮 Evaluate the expression.
2+4÷2
First, identify the operations in the expression.
2+4÷2 This expression has addition and division.
The order of operations says to divide before adding.
2+4÷2=2+2
Now, add.2+2=4.
The value of the expression is 4.
🔮 Evaluate the expression for x = 5, y = 8 and z = 6.
(y2 + z) ÷ x
Solution :
= (y2 + x) ÷ x
Substitute x = 5, y = 8 and z = 6.
= (82 + 6) ÷ 5
= (64 + 6) ÷ 5
= 70 ÷ 5
= 14
🔮 Evaluate the expression for p = 6, q = 5 and r = 4.
(PQ – 28)2 ÷ r
Solution :
(pq – 28)2 ÷ r
Substitute p = 6, q = 5 and r = 4.
= [(6)(5) – 28]2 ÷ 4
= (30 – 28)2 ÷ 4
= 22 ÷ 4
= 4 ÷ 4
= 1
🔮 Evaluate the expression.
2÷1–5
First, identify the operations in the expression.
2÷1–5
This expression has division and subtraction. The order of operations says to divide before subtracting.
2÷1–5
= 2–5
Now, subtract.
2 – 5
= -3
The value of the expression is -3
Let’s Practice!