Really Quick Question....

theplace101 said:
what is 2q + 2q represent in algebra?? It represents an "algebraic expression".

and what does the value q represent? We don't know, until the author either tells us or gives us enough information to figure it out.
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Now, the not-so-quick response.

The algebraic notation 2q is implied multiplication. Some unknown value (called q) is being multiplied by the number 2.

2q means 2 × q

But, this is better written as:

2q = 2 * q

because once we begin learning algebra, we almost never use the letter x as a multiplication sign. We use a dot or asterisk, instead, because x is now used to represent numbers, like 2x+2x.

The symbol q might represent some value that is constant.

The symbol q might represent some value that varies.

Whatever q is, if we have two of them, and we add two more, then we have a total of four.

2q + 2q = 4q

And, for an example, if the author tell us that the sum of 2q and 2q equals 16, then that's enough information to solve for q.

2q + 2q = 16

4q = 16

So, q must be 4 because 4*4 = 16.

q = 4

Last comment: q and x and t and any other letters chosen to represent numbers are nothing more than names.

In other words, any of the following expressions could be used to algebraically state the concept of adding two of something to two more of itself.

2q + 2q

2x + 2x

2t + 2t

2A + 2A

2ß + 2ß

2? + 2?

2? + 2?

2? + 2?

Algebra is all about symbolism and thinking abstractly. 8-)
 
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