Question

1. (8a - 7) - (5a + 1.2)

Explanation:

Step1: Remove parentheses

To remove the parentheses, we distribute the negative sign to the terms inside the second parentheses:
$$(8a - 7) - (5a + 1.2) = 8a - 7 - 5a - 1.2$$

Step2: Combine like terms

Combine the terms with \(a\) and the constant terms separately:
For the \(a\)-terms: \(8a - 5a = 3a\)
For the constant terms: \(-7 - 1.2 = -8.2\)
So, putting it together, we get \(3a - 8.2\)

Answer:

\(3a - 8.2\)