Not using specific values of the variable

Oct 13, 2025 by wbrum.org 123 views

Understanding the Problem

When evaluating the equivalence of algebraic expressions, it's essential to substitute specific values for the variable to determine if the expressions yield the same result. In this case, Emily is substituting $t=8$ and $t=10$ to determine if the two expressions $6(t-4)$ and $6t-24$ are equivalent.

Substituting $t=8$ into the Expressions

To begin, let's substitute $t=8$ into both expressions and evaluate the results.

Expression 1: $6(t-4)$

Substituting $t=8$ into the first expression, we get:

6(8-4)

Expanding the expression, we have:

6(4)

Multiplying $6$ by $4$ , we get:

24

Expression 2: $6t-24$

Substituting $t=8$ into the second expression, we get:

6(8)-24

Expanding the expression, we have:

48-24

Subtracting $24$ from $48$ , we get:

24

Comparing the Results

After substituting $t=8$ into both expressions, we found that both expressions yield the same result: $24$ . This suggests that the expressions may be equivalent.

Substituting $t=10$ into the Expressions

To further investigate the equivalence of the expressions, let's substitute $t=10$ into both expressions and evaluate the results.

Expression 1: $6(t-4)$

Substituting $t=10$ into the first expression, we get:

6(10-4)

Expanding the expression, we have:

6(6)

Multiplying $6$ by $6$ , we get:

36

Expression 2: $6t-24$

Substituting $t=10$ into the second expression, we get:

6(10)-24

Expanding the expression, we have:

60-24

Subtracting $24$ from $60$ , we get:

36

Comparing the Results

After substituting $t=10$ into both expressions, we found that both expressions yield the same result: $36$ . This further supports the idea that the expressions may be equivalent.

Conclusion

Based on the results of substituting $t=8$ and $t=10$ into both expressions, it appears that the expressions $6(t-4)$ and $6t-24$ are indeed equivalent. This is because both expressions yield the same result when evaluated at the same value of $t$ .

The Correct Answer

The correct answer is:

A. Both expressions are equivalent to 24 when $t=8$ .

However, it's essential to note that this answer is only true for $t=8$ . When $t=10$ , both expressions are equivalent to $36$ , not $24$ . Therefore, the statement is not entirely accurate.

Final Thoughts

Evaluating the equivalence of algebraic expressions requires careful substitution and evaluation of the expressions. By substituting specific values for the variable, we can determine if the expressions yield the same result. In this case, the expressions $6(t-4)$ and $6t-24$ are equivalent, but only when evaluated at specific values of $t$ .

Understanding the Problem

When evaluating the equivalence of algebraic expressions, it's essential to substitute specific values for the variable to determine if the expressions yield the same result. In this case, we're exploring the expressions $6(t-4)$ and $6t-24$ to determine if they are equivalent.

Q&A: Evaluating the Equivalence of Algebraic Expressions

Q: What is the purpose of substituting specific values for the variable when evaluating the equivalence of algebraic expressions?

A: The purpose of substituting specific values for the variable is to determine if the expressions yield the same result. By evaluating the expressions at specific values of the variable, we can determine if the expressions are equivalent.

Q: How do I know if the expressions are equivalent?

A: To determine if the expressions are equivalent, you need to evaluate the expressions at the same value of the variable. If the expressions yield the same result, then they are equivalent.

Q: What if the expressions yield different results when evaluated at the same value of the variable?

A: If the expressions yield different results when evaluated at the same value of the variable, then they are not equivalent.

Q: Can I use any value of the variable to evaluate the expressions?

A: No, you should use specific values of the variable that are relevant to the problem. For example, if you're evaluating the expressions $6(t-4)$ and $6t-24$ , you might use values of $t$ such as $8$ or $10$ .

Q: How do I evaluate the expressions at a specific value of the variable?

A: To evaluate the expressions at a specific value of the variable, you need to substitute the value into the expressions and simplify. For example, if you're evaluating the expression $6(t-4)$ at $t=8$ , you would substitute $8$ into the expression and simplify to get $24$ .

Q: What if I get different results when evaluating the expressions at different values of the variable?

A: If you get different results when evaluating the expressions at different values of the variable, then the expressions are not equivalent.

Q: Can I use algebraic manipulations to simplify the expressions and determine if they are equivalent?

A: Yes, you can use algebraic manipulations to simplify the expressions and determine if they are equivalent. For example, you might use the distributive property to expand the expressions and then compare the results.

Q: How do I know if the expressions are equivalent using algebraic manipulations?

A: To determine if the expressions are equivalent using algebraic manipulations, you need to simplify the expressions and compare the results. If the expressions yield the same result after simplification, then they are equivalent.

Conclusion

Evaluating the equivalence of algebraic expressions requires careful substitution and evaluation of the expressions. By substituting specific values for the variable and using algebraic manipulations, you can determine if the expressions yield the same result. Remember to use specific values of the variable and to simplify the expressions to determine if they are equivalent.

Final Thoughts

Evaluating the equivalence of algebraic expressions is an essential skill in mathematics. By mastering this skill, you can solve a wide range of problems and develop a deeper understanding of algebraic expressions.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Not using specific values of the variable: Make sure to use specific values of the variable to evaluate the expressions.
Not simplifying the expressions: Simplify the expressions to determine if they are equivalent.
Not comparing the results: Compare the results of the expressions to determine if they are equivalent.

Additional Resources

Algebraic Manipulations: Learn how to use algebraic manipulations to simplify expressions and determine if they are equivalent.
Substitution Method: Learn how to use the substitution method to evaluate expressions and determine if they are equivalent.
Equivalence of Algebraic Expressions: Learn more about the equivalence of algebraic expressions and how to evaluate them.