Skip to main content
Ch. R - Review of Basic Concepts
Lial - College Algebra 13th Edition
Lial13th EditionCollege AlgebraISBN: 9780136881063Not the one you use?Change textbook
Chapter 1, Problem 103

Evaluate each expression for p=-4, q=8, and r=-10. 3q/r - 5/p

Verified step by step guidance
1
Identify the given values: \( p = -4 \), \( q = 8 \), and \( r = -10 \).
Write down the expression to evaluate: \( \frac{3q}{r} - \frac{5}{p} \).
Substitute the given values into the expression: \( \frac{3 \times 8}{-10} - \frac{5}{-4} \).
Simplify each fraction separately: calculate \( \frac{24}{-10} \) and \( \frac{5}{-4} \).
Combine the simplified fractions by performing the subtraction: \( \frac{24}{-10} - \left(-\frac{5}{4}\right) \).

Verified video answer for a similar problem:

This video solution was recommended by our tutors as helpful for the problem above.
Video duration:
2m
Was this helpful?

Key Concepts

Here are the essential concepts you must grasp in order to answer the question correctly.

Substitution of Variables

Substitution involves replacing variables in an expression with given numerical values. This is essential for evaluating expressions when specific values for variables are provided, allowing the expression to be simplified to a numerical result.
Recommended video:
Guided course
5:48
Solving Systems of Equations - Substitution

Order of Operations

The order of operations dictates the sequence in which parts of a mathematical expression are evaluated, typically following PEMDAS (Parentheses, Exponents, Multiplication and Division, Addition and Subtraction). Correct application ensures accurate simplification of expressions.
Recommended video:
Guided course
8:38
Performing Row Operations on Matrices

Operations with Negative Numbers

Understanding how to handle negative numbers in arithmetic operations like division and subtraction is crucial. This includes knowing that dividing by a negative number changes the sign of the result and that subtracting a negative is equivalent to addition.
Recommended video:
05:02
Square Roots of Negative Numbers