STUDY SMART TUTORS
ALGEBRA ALTERNATIVES
PIYON
Which is easier? (Remember: The SAT allows students to use calculators.)
4𝑥 2 +6𝑥+1 𝑥 +2
Which of the following is equivalent to 7.25?
A) 8−2
Which of the following is equivalent to the expression above?
2 7 3 4
B) 8−
C) 6+
A) 4𝑥−2
5 4
B) 4𝑥− 2 𝑥+5 C) 4𝑥−2+
D) 6+
3 𝑥+2 5 𝑥+2
D) 4𝑥−2+
No, this isn’t a trick question. Obviously, the question on the right is easier. It’s just a straightforward calculation. With the aid of a calculator, it’s quite easy. Even without the aid of a calculator, it’s easy. However, the two questions above are actually the same thing if x were 2. Let’s just say, hypothetically speaking, x is equal to 2—every x is equal to 2. That means wherever you see the letter x , both in the question and answer choices, “plug in” the number 2.
4(𝟐 2 )+6(𝟐)+1 𝟐+2
Which of the following is equivalent to the expression above?
A) 4(𝟐)−2
ORDER OF OPERATIONS PEMDAS BODMAS GEMS Exponents before Multiplication! 4(𝟐 2 ) ✓ (4×𝟐) 2
B) 4(𝟐)− 2 𝟐+5 C) 4(𝟐)−2+
3 𝟐+2 5 𝟐+2
D) 4(𝟐)−2+
“Okay, so now what?” “Now, do math! What do all those things equal?
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