Comparing a Numerical Expression

Definition

A numerical expression is a mathematical statement involving only numbers and one or more arithmetic operation symbols+,−,×,÷.

A numerical expression always represents a particular number.

For example, the numerical expression 5 + 20 − 9 is equal to the number 16 when simplified.

Examples

The following are some examples of numerical expressions.

5 + 20 − 7, 4 + 3 − 7, 6×4 ÷ 20, 5 ÷ 30×3, 9 × 41 + 4

Problem 1

Use <, >, or = to compare the numerical expression and the number.

5

÷

(20

3)

8

Solution

Step 1:

5 ÷ 20×3 = 5 ÷ 60 = 

Step 2:

 < 8

Step 3:

So 5 ÷ 20×3 < 8

Problem 2

Use <, >, or = to compare the numerical expression and the number.

5

x

(42

+

3)

90

Solution

Step 1:

5 × 42 &plus; 3 = 5 × 45 = 225

Step 2:

225 > 90

Step 3:

So 5 × 42 &plus; 3 > 90

Problem 3

Use <, >, or = to compare the numerical expression and the number.

(2

+

3)

–

7

6

Solution

Step 1:

2 &plus; 3 − 7 = 5 − 7 = − 2

Step 2:

− 2 < 6

Step 3:

So 2 &plus; 3 − 7< 6

Problem 4

Use <, >, or = to compare the numerical expression and the number.

4

+

20

–

7

14

Solution

Step 1:

4 &plus; 20 − 7 = 17

Step 2:

17 > 14

Step 3:

So 4 &plus; 20 − 7 > 14