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

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

• A. 4a
• B. 5a
• C. 3a
• D. 2a

Answer: (A)

To combine the terms in the expression 2a + 3a - a, start by identifying the like terms, which in this case are all terms involving 'a'. First, add the coefficients of the like terms together. You have 2 from the first term, 3 from the second term, and -1 from the third term (since subtracting 'a' is the same as adding -1a). Now, perform the addition: 2 + 3 = 5 Then, subtract 1: 5 - 1 = 4. So altogether, you arrive at 4a. Thus, the simplified expression is indeed 4a, confirming that the correct result of combining these terms is 4a.

To combine the terms in the expression 2a + 3a - a, start by identifying the like terms, which in this case are all terms involving 'a'.

First, add the coefficients of the like terms together. You have 2 from the first term, 3 from the second term, and -1 from the third term (since subtracting 'a' is the same as adding -1a).

Now, perform the addition:

2 + 3 = 5

Then, subtract 1:

5 - 1 = 4.

So altogether, you arrive at 4a. Thus, the simplified expression is indeed 4a, confirming that the correct result of combining these terms is 4a.