How would you simplify the expression: 2a + 4b - 3a + 5b?

How would you simplify the expression: 2a + 4b - 3a + 5b?

• A. 7b - a
• B. -a + 9b
• C. 3b - a
• D. 4b + 2a

Answer: (B)

To simplify the expression 2a + 4b - 3a + 5b, the first step is to combine the like terms. Like terms are terms that have the same variable raised to the same power. In the expression, the terms with 'a' are 2a and -3a. Combining these gives: 2a - 3a = -1a, which can also be written as -a. Next, we look at the terms with 'b', which are 4b and 5b. Combining these gives: 4b + 5b = 9b. Now, combining these results, we find: -a + 9b. This reveals that the simplified expression is indeed -a + 9b, illustrating that combining like terms effectively reduces the expression to a simpler form that is easier to work with. This clearly aligns with option B, confirming its correctness in the context of the question.

To simplify the expression 2a + 4b - 3a + 5b, the first step is to combine the like terms. Like terms are terms that have the same variable raised to the same power.

In the expression, the terms with 'a' are 2a and -3a. Combining these gives:

2a - 3a = -1a, which can also be written as -a.

Next, we look at the terms with 'b', which are 4b and 5b. Combining these gives:

4b + 5b = 9b.

Now, combining these results, we find:

-a + 9b.

This reveals that the simplified expression is indeed -a + 9b, illustrating that combining like terms effectively reduces the expression to a simpler form that is easier to work with. This clearly aligns with option B, confirming its correctness in the context of the question.