Tutor Help: Expressions
Stuck on expressions? Recap the translation rules, try the self-help fixes, or preview a tutor request.
An expression is a phrase with no equals sign. Translating is mostly left-to-right — except “less than” and “subtracted from”, which reverse the order. When in doubt, test with numbers.
Evaluating means substituting the value (in parentheses!) and then following PEMDAS. The substitution never outranks multiplication: 2 + 3x at x = 4 is 14, not 20.
Terms are separated by + and −. The coefficient multiplies the variable; the constant has no variable.
How to get unstuck in 5 minutes
- 1Re-read the lesson section that matches your problem.
- 2Work one practice problem with the hint turned on.
- 3Check your answer with the step-by-step tool.
- 4Still stuck? Use the demo request form below.
1 Quick self-help
Three fixes that solve most stuck moments.
Translation feels backwards?
Test with a number: “5 less than 10” is 5, so “5 less than x” must be x − 5. The number test never lies.
Evaluation exploding?
Parenthesize the substituted value first: x = −3 becomes 5(−3) − 2. Then PEMDAS. Two habits, zero sign errors.
Parts confusing?
Cover each term with your thumb: the number in front of x is the coefficient; the lonely number is the constant.
2 Common questions
Short answers to the questions tutors hear most.
3 Ask a tutor
Describe where you are stuck. A tutor reply workflow is coming soon.