Algebraic Simplification: Combining Like Terms for Students Practice Test

To simplify the expression 14z - 4z + 8 + 2, the first step is to combine the like terms. Like terms are those that have the same variable raised to the same power.

In this expression, we can identify two groups of like terms: the terms involving 'z' (14z and -4z) and the constant terms (8 and 2).

1. Combine the 'z' terms:

- Take 14z and subtract 4z:

\[

14z - 4z = 10z

\]

2. Combine the constant terms:

- Add 8 and 2 together:

\[

8 + 2 = 10

\]

Now, combine the results from both steps:

- The 'z' part is 10z.

- The constant part is 10.

Putting it all together gives us:

\[

10z + 10

\]

Thus, the simplified version of the original expression is 10z + 10. This matches one of the provided choices, confirming that it is indeed the correct answer.