Question

write another equivalent expression by grouping together all of the a’s, then all of the b’s.
1a + 4b + 3a - 3b
( a ) + ( b + b + b + b ) + ( a + a + a ) - ( b + b + b )
( ) + ( ) + ( ) - (b + b + b)

Explanation:

Step1: Group like terms (a's)

Combine terms with $a$: $1a + 3a = 4a$, which is $a+a+a+a$.

Step2: Identify original b term

The term $4b$ is $b+b+b+b$.

Step3: Rewrite grouped a expression

The grouped a terms replace the single $a$ in the first blank.

Answer:

$a+a+a+a$ , $b+b+b+b$ , $a+a+a$