Work out the value of 4p − 3q when p = 5 and q = 2.

Step by step

The question

Question: find the value of 4p − 3q when p = 5 and q = 2.

1 Put the numbers in

4p means 4 times p.

So we write a times sign.

We put 5 in place of p and 2 in place of q.

2 Times and divide

Everyone uses the same order, so we all get the same answer.

Times comes before minus.

4 times 5 is 20.

Times comes before minus.

3 times 2 is 6.

3 Plus and minus

20 minus 6 is 14.

Careful!

Many people take away before they multiply and get 34.

But times and divide come before plus and minus.

The right way: 4 × 5 − 3 × 2 = 14.

So 4p − 3q is 14 when p = 5 and q = 2.

Let's look back.

First: put the numbers in.

Then: times and divide.

Last: plus and minus.