Question

simplify.
-8a - 7a

Explanation:

Step1: Identify like terms

The terms \(-8a\) and \(-7a\) are like terms (both have the variable \(a\) with the same exponent, 1).

Step2: Combine like terms

To combine like terms, we add their coefficients. The coefficient of \(-8a\) is \(-8\) and the coefficient of \(-7a\) is \(-7\). So we calculate \(-8 + (-7)\) and then multiply by \(a\).
\(-8 + (-7)=-15\), so \(-8a - 7a=(-8 - 7)a=-15a\)

Answer:

\(-15a\)