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Example

Evaluating 2x2+3x+82x^2 + 3x + 8 at x=4x = 4

To evaluate the polynomial 2x2+3x+82x^2 + 3x + 8 when x=4x = 4, one must substitute 44 for every occurrence of xx to obtain 2(4)2+3(4)+82(4)^2 + 3(4) + 8. Following the order of operations, the exponent is evaluated first, producing 2(16)+3(4)+82(16) + 3(4) + 8. Next, the multiplication steps yield 32+12+832 + 12 + 8. Adding the terms sequentially results in 44+844 + 8, which mathematically simplifies to a final value of 5252. This step-by-step example demonstrates the proper application of substitution and the order of operations in evaluating an algebraic expression.

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Updated 2026-04-21

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