BECE Mathematics 2021 Paper

Concept:To evaluate an expression, substitute the given values and simplify, working out brackets first, then multiplication, then addition (BODMAS).Given:$x = 4$, $y = 7$Solution:Substitute: $2xy + 3(x + y) = 2(4)(7) + 3(4 + 7)$First term: $2 \times 4 \times 7 = 8 \times 7 = 56$Second term, bracket first: $4 + 7 = 11$, so $3 \times 11 = 33$Add the two terms: $56 + 33 = 89$Key point: $2xy$ means $2 \times x \times y$; do the bracket $(x + y)$ before multiplying by $3$.Answer:Option B ($89$)