99.8k views
2 votes
An algebraic expression is called ____ when substituting a specific value for one of its variables results in no answer, either real or imaginary."

A) Singular
B) Indeterminate
C) Inconsistent
D) Undefined

1 Answer

6 votes

Final answer:

An algebraic expression is considered undefined when a specific variable substitution results in an expression that does not produce a real or imaginary answer, such as dividing by zero.

Step-by-step explanation:

An algebraic expression is called undefined when substituting a specific value for one of its variables results in no answer. This occurs, for example, when you attempt to divide by zero or when the value you substitute creates a situation that is not mathematically possible, such as taking the square root of a negative number in real numbers.

To understand this concept through the context of linear equations, all of the options given in the practice test question (A. y = -3x, B. y = 0.2 +0.74x, and C. y=-9.4 - 2x) are linear because they can be written in the form of y = mx + b, where m and b are constants.

This form is defined for all real values of 'x', and does not lead to undefined expressions unless specific domain restrictions apply.

The correct option is D) Undefined

User Spencer Bard
by
8.1k points