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To solve this problem, we'll follow these steps:
Now, let's work through each step:
Step 1: The given expression is . There are constants (11 and 8) and terms with (5x and -2x).
Step 2: Combine the constants: .
Step 3: Combine the coefficients of : .
After simplification, the expression becomes .
The correct solution from the multiple-choice options is .
19+3X
Are the expressions the same or not?
\( 3+3+3+3 \)
\( 3\times4 \)
Like terms are terms that have the exact same variable part. In this problem, 11 and 8 are like terms (both constants), and 5x and -2x are like terms (both have x).
Because 5x and -2x represent different quantities than plain numbers! You can only combine terms that have the same variable part. Think of it like: 5 apples - 2 apples + 11 oranges + 8 oranges.
Conventionally, we write the variable term first, then the constant. So is preferred over , but both are mathematically correct.
Use the same process! Group all constants together and group all variable terms together. Then add or subtract within each group. The method works for any number of terms.
Think of it as adding a negative: . The negative sign belongs to the 2, so you're really doing 5 - 2 = 3 for the coefficients.
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