Simplify 5a + 3 - 2a + 6.

Simplify 5a + 3 - 2a + 6.

• A. 7a + 9
• B. 3a + 9
• C. 6a + 9
• D. 3a + 3

Answer: (B)

To simplify the expression 5a + 3 - 2a + 6, the first step is to identify and combine like terms. Like terms are terms that have the same variable raised to the same power. In this case, we have two types of terms: those with the variable 'a' and the constant terms (the numbers without variables). 1. Combine the terms with 'a': - Start with 5a and -2a. - When combining these, you simply subtract the coefficients: 5 - 2 = 3, so you have 3a. 2. Now, combine the constant terms: - You have 3 and 6, which are both constants. - Adding these together gives you 3 + 6 = 9. Putting it all together, after combining the like terms, you have 3a (from the variable terms) and 9 (from the constant terms). Therefore, the simplified expression is 3a + 9. This process illustrates how simplifying involves carefully combining terms that are alike, leading to a more concise expression.

To simplify the expression 5a + 3 - 2a + 6, the first step is to identify and combine like terms.

Like terms are terms that have the same variable raised to the same power. In this case, we have two types of terms: those with the variable 'a' and the constant terms (the numbers without variables).

1. Combine the terms with 'a':

• Start with 5a and -2a.

• When combining these, you simply subtract the coefficients: 5 - 2 = 3, so you have 3a.

2. Now, combine the constant terms:

• You have 3 and 6, which are both constants.

• Adding these together gives you 3 + 6 = 9.

Putting it all together, after combining the like terms, you have 3a (from the variable terms) and 9 (from the constant terms). Therefore, the simplified expression is 3a + 9.

This process illustrates how simplifying involves carefully combining terms that are alike, leading to a more concise expression.