True or False: In the expression 3c - 5 + 2c - 4, the coefficients of c can be combined.

True or False: In the expression 3c - 5 + 2c - 4, the coefficients of c can be combined.

• A. True
• B. False
• C. Only if c = 1
• D. Only if c = 2

Answer: (A)

In the expression 3c - 5 + 2c - 4, you can indeed combine the coefficients of the variable \( c \) because they are like terms. Like terms are terms that contain the same variable to the same power. In this case, both 3c and 2c are like terms since they both involve the variable \( c \). To combine these coefficients, you simply add them together: \[ 3c + 2c = 5c \] After combining the coefficients, you should also combine the constant terms, which are -5 and -4. When you add these together: \[ -5 - 4 = -9 \] So, the expression can be simplified to: \[ 5c - 9 \] The ability to combine the coefficients shows an understanding of how algebraic expressions work, particularly in recognizing and grouping like terms effectively. Thus, saying that the coefficients can be combined is accurate, confirming your answer as true.

In the expression 3c - 5 + 2c - 4, you can indeed combine the coefficients of the variable ( c ) because they are like terms. Like terms are terms that contain the same variable to the same power. In this case, both 3c and 2c are like terms since they both involve the variable ( c ).

To combine these coefficients, you simply add them together:

[

3c + 2c = 5c

]

After combining the coefficients, you should also combine the constant terms, which are -5 and -4. When you add these together:

[

-5 - 4 = -9

]

So, the expression can be simplified to:

[

5c - 9

]

The ability to combine the coefficients shows an understanding of how algebraic expressions work, particularly in recognizing and grouping like terms effectively. Thus, saying that the coefficients can be combined is accurate, confirming your answer as true.