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substitute| In mathematics, to put values in the place of variables in an algebraic expression or formula. An algebraic expansion or simplification can be checked by substituting simple values for each variable. For example, to check that |
| x3 + y3 = (x + y)(x2 + y2 − xy) |
| the value x = 1 and y = 2 might be substituted in both sides of the expression, giving |
| left-hand side: 13 + 23 = 1 + 8 = 9 |
| right-hand side: (1 + 2)(12 + 22 − 2) = 3 × 3 = 9. |
| The two sides are the same, so the expansion of x3 + y3 is correct. |
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