Algebra Substitution Practice Learn how to substitute values into expressions and then test your skills!

Algebra Substitution Practice

Learn how to substitute values into expressions and then test your skills!

How Does Substitution Work?

Think of a variable (like a or y) as an empty box waiting for a number.

1. Identify the variable and the value you are given (e.g., a = 2).
2. Replace (or "substitute") the variable in the expression with its number.
3. Solve the calculation using the correct order of operations.

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The Order of Operations: BODMAS/PEMDAS

This rule tells you the correct sequence to solve calculations. It ensures everyone gets the same answer to the same problem.

BODMAS

• Brackets
• Orders (powers, roots)
• Division
• Multiplication
• Addition
• Subtraction

PEMDAS

• Parentheses
• Exponents
• Multiplication
• Division
• Addition
• Subtraction

Note: Multiplication and Division have equal priority (solve left-to-right). The same applies to Addition and Subtraction.

Example Set 1: Substitute a = 2

Substitute into	a = 2	Answer
5a	5 x 2	10
a - 5	2 - 5	-3
16 - a	16 - 2	14
7a + 3	7 x 2 + 3	17

Example Set 2: Substitute y = 3

Substitute into	y = 3	Steps	Answer
6y - 13	6 x 3 - 13	18 - 13	5
y²	3²	3 x 3	9
27 - 5y	27 - 5 x 3	27 - 15	12
½y - 1.5	½ x 3 - 1.5	1.5 - 1.5	0

Challenge Set

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