Question

combining like terms
like terms have the same variable and exponent.
example:
8x + 3 - 2x + 5 = 6x + 8
practice:

1. 7a + 4 - 2a
2. 5m - 3 + 2m + 6
3. 9x - 4x + 1 - 8

Explanation:

For Practice Problem 3: \( 9x - 4x + 1 - 8 \)

Step 1: Combine like terms with \( x \)

Identify the terms with \( x \): \( 9x \) and \( -4x \). Combine them by subtracting their coefficients.
\( 9x - 4x = (9 - 4)x = 5x \)

Step 2: Combine constant terms

Identify the constant terms: \( 1 \) and \( -8 \). Combine them by subtracting.
\( 1 - 8 = -7 \)

Step 3: Combine the results from Step 1 and Step 2

Put the combined \( x \)-term and the combined constant term together.
\( 5x - 7 \)

Answer:

\( 5x - 7 \)