Question

simplify the following expression.
$-7x - 2 + 4x - 3$
$\boxed{?}x + \boxed{\phantom{0}}$

Explanation:

Step1: Combine like x terms

$(-7x + 4x) + (-2 - 3)$

Step2: Calculate x coefficient

$-7 + 4 = -3$

Step3: Calculate constant terms

$-2 - 3 = -5$

Answer:

$-3x + (-5)$ or simplified as $-3x - 5$