When p = -2 and q = -5, which of the following represents the value of 4p - 3q? — Armed Services Vocational Aptitude Battery (ASVAB)

When $p = -2$ and $q = -5$ , which of the following represents the value of $4p - 3q$ ?

The correct value is found by substituting

p = -2

and

q = -5

into the expression

4p - 3q

. Applying the order of operations, first multiply to get

-8

and

-15

. Finally, evaluate

-8 - (-15)

, which correctly simplifies to

-8 + 15 = 7

Substitute

-2

for

p

and

-5

for

q

into the algebraic expression.

4(-2) - 3(-5)

Variables must be replaced with their given numerical values to evaluate the expression.

Multiply the terms following the order of operations.

-8 - (-15)

Multiplication must be performed before subtraction.

Simplify the resulting subtraction.

-8 + 15 = 7

Subtracting a negative number is mathematically identical to adding a positive number.

Evaluating Algebraic Expressions

Estimated Time:45s

Question