Combine like terms in 12x + 3 - 5x - 2.

Combine like terms in 12x + 3 - 5x - 2.

• A. 8x + 1
• B. 7x + 5
• C. 9x + 3
• D. 5x + 4

Answer: (A)

To combine like terms in the expression \(12x + 3 - 5x - 2\), start by identifying the like terms, which are those that contain the same variable or are constants. The terms that contain the variable \(x\) are \(12x\) and \(-5x\). By combining these, you subtract \(5x\) from \(12x\): \[ 12x - 5x = 7x \] Next, identify the constant terms \(3\) and \(-2\). Combine these by performing the subtraction: \[ 3 - 2 = 1 \] Putting it all together, the combined expression is: \[ 7x + 1 \] This matches with the correct answer, which shows that the simplified expression after combining like terms is \(7x + 1\). The correct choice demonstrates a clear understanding of combining like terms, where the \(x\) terms are grouped and simplified separately from the constant terms. The result accurately reflects this process, leading to the final expression.

To combine like terms in the expression (12x + 3 - 5x - 2), start by identifying the like terms, which are those that contain the same variable or are constants.

The terms that contain the variable (x) are (12x) and (-5x). By combining these, you subtract (5x) from (12x):

[

12x - 5x = 7x

]

Next, identify the constant terms (3) and (-2). Combine these by performing the subtraction:

[

3 - 2 = 1

]

Putting it all together, the combined expression is:

[

7x + 1

]

This matches with the correct answer, which shows that the simplified expression after combining like terms is (7x + 1).

The correct choice demonstrates a clear understanding of combining like terms, where the (x) terms are grouped and simplified separately from the constant terms. The result accurately reflects this process, leading to the final expression.