In a problem with symbols representing values, how do you determine the value of the symbols?

• A. By substitution
• B. By addition
• C. By multiplication
• D. By division

Answer: (A)

To determine the value of symbols in a mathematical problem, substitution is the most effective method. When you substitute, you replace symbols with their corresponding numerical values, allowing you to simplify and solve the equation or expression accurately. This technique is widely used in algebra to make problems clearer and easier to handle. By plugging in specific values, you can evaluate expressions and find the results you're looking for.

The other methods—addition, multiplication, and division—are operations that can be used in conjunction with substitution, but they do not independently determine the values of the symbols. Instead, they are tools used to manipulate or simplify expressions after substitution has occurred. Thus, substitution serves as the foundational step in solving for the values represented by symbols, making it the correct choice in this context.