To evaluate an algebraic expression means to:

• replace the variable(s) in the expression with numeric values that are assigned to them, and
  
• simplify the resulting numeric expression by using the order of operations
  
• the end result is the numeric value of the expression when the variable(s) take on the assigned values.
  

• We put 2 in the expression wherever x appears, and we put -5 in the expression wherever y appears, and the result is:
  
  • 3(2² + (4)2) - 3(-5)

• Simplifying using the order of operations, we tend to the
  

  •  parentheses first, and we get:

    •  3(4 + 8) - 3(-5) = 3(12) - 3(-5)

  • Now the multiplication, to get

    • 36 - (-15)

  • Now, change the subtraction to addition of the opposite, and we get

    • 36 + 15

  • and finally, doing the addition, we get

    • 51

• .   This quantity, 51, represents the value of the algebraic expression if x and y take on the given values.

What is the numeric value of this algebraic expression if x = - 5 and y = 3?

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Answer:

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