What is the result when combining -5c with 2c?

What is the result when combining -5c with 2c?

• A. -3c
• B. 3c
• C. -7c
• D. 0c

Answer: (A)

To combine -5c with 2c, you need to look closely at the coefficients of the terms, which are the numerical parts in front of the variable c. In the expression, -5c means you have a negative quantity of c, specifically five c's taken away. On the other hand, 2c indicates that you are adding two c's to this mixture. When putting these together, you can think of it in terms of combining the coefficients: -5 (from -5c) + 2 (from 2c) can be calculated as follows: -5 + 2 = -3 This means that the combined amount of c you have is -3c. Thus, the result of combining -5c with 2c is indeed -3c, which confirms that the correct answer is the first choice. This process of adding the coefficients while keeping the variable consistent is key in algebraic simplification, particularly when dealing with like terms.

To combine -5c with 2c, you need to look closely at the coefficients of the terms, which are the numerical parts in front of the variable c.

In the expression, -5c means you have a negative quantity of c, specifically five c's taken away. On the other hand, 2c indicates that you are adding two c's to this mixture.

When putting these together, you can think of it in terms of combining the coefficients:

-5 (from -5c) + 2 (from 2c) can be calculated as follows:

-5 + 2 = -3

This means that the combined amount of c you have is -3c. Thus, the result of combining -5c with 2c is indeed -3c, which confirms that the correct answer is the first choice. This process of adding the coefficients while keeping the variable consistent is key in algebraic simplification, particularly when dealing with like terms.