When you want to substitute values into algebraic expressions, it's important to follow some simple steps. This will help you avoid mistakes. Here’s an easy guide to help you:

Steps to Substitute Values:

1. Find the Expression: Begin with your algebraic expression. For example, let’s look at this one: $3x + 4y$.

2. Identify the Values: Next, decide what values you will use. Let's say we have $x = 2$ and $y = 3$.

3. Insert the Values: Now, put the values into the expression. Replace $x$ with $2$ and $y$ with $3$. Your expression will look like this:

   $3(2) + 4(3)$

4. Do the Multiplication: Calculate the products for each part. Here’s what you get:

   $3(2) = 6$
   $4(3) = 12$

5. Add It All Up: Finally, add the results together:

   $6 + 12 = 18$

Final Result:

So, when you substitute $x = 2$ and $y = 3$ into the expression $3x + 4y$, you find that the final answer is $18$.

Tips:

• Watch Out for Signs: Be careful with negative signs when you substitute values.
• Check Your Work: Always look back over each step to find any mistakes.

By following these simple steps, you can easily substitute values into algebraic expressions without any trouble!