Question

2 consider each scenario. consider each scenario.

• noah says that $9x - 2x + 4x$ is equivalent to $3x$, because the subtraction sign tells us to subtract everything that comes after $9x$.
• elena says that $9x - 2x + 4x$ is equivalent to $11x$, because the subtraction only applies to $2x$.

Explanation:

Step1: Simplify the given expression

Combine like terms: $9x - 2x + 4x = (9 - 2 + 4)x$

Step2: Calculate the coefficient sum

Compute the arithmetic: $9 - 2 + 4 = 11$

Step3: Evaluate Noah's claim

Noah incorrectly subtracts both $2x$ and $4x$: $9x - 2x - 4x = 3x$, which misapplies the subtraction sign.

Step4: Evaluate Elena's claim

Elena correctly applies subtraction only to $2x$: $9x - 2x + 4x = 11x$, matching the simplified result.

Answer:

Elena is correct, and Noah is incorrect. The simplified form of $9x - 2x + 4x$ is $11x$.