What is the result of simplifying 2a + 3a - a?

What is the result of simplifying 2a + 3a - a?

• A. 2a
• B. 5a
• C. 4a
• D. a

Answer: (C)

To simplify the expression 2a + 3a - a, you need to combine the like terms, which are all the terms involving the variable 'a'. Here's how to do that step by step: 1. Start by adding the coefficients of the like terms: - The coefficient of the first term (2a) is 2. - The coefficient of the second term (3a) is 3. - The coefficient of the third term (-a) can be thought of as -1 (since it is -1 times a). 2. Now, add the coefficients together: - 2 (from 2a) + 3 (from 3a) - 1 (from -a) equals 2 + 3 - 1 = 4. 3. Finally, combine this result with the variable 'a': - The combined coefficient is 4, so you have 4a. Therefore, when you simplify the expression 2a + 3a - a, the result is 4a, which corresponds to the given correct option. This process demonstrates how to combine like terms effectively in algebra.

To simplify the expression 2a + 3a - a, you need to combine the like terms, which are all the terms involving the variable 'a'. Here's how to do that step by step:

1. Start by adding the coefficients of the like terms:

• The coefficient of the first term (2a) is 2.

• The coefficient of the second term (3a) is 3.

• The coefficient of the third term (-a) can be thought of as -1 (since it is -1 times a).

2. Now, add the coefficients together:

• 2 (from 2a) + 3 (from 3a) - 1 (from -a) equals 2 + 3 - 1 = 4.

3. Finally, combine this result with the variable 'a':

• The combined coefficient is 4, so you have 4a.

Therefore, when you simplify the expression 2a + 3a - a, the result is 4a, which corresponds to the given correct option. This process demonstrates how to combine like terms effectively in algebra.