Final answer:
The sum of -2pq and -pq, being like terms, is calculated by adding their coefficients. The sum is -3pq, which represents the combination of these algebraic terms.
Step-by-step explanation:
To find the sum of -2pq and -pq, you simply add these two algebraic terms together since they are like terms (terms that have the same variables raised to the same powers). Since -2pq means we have two of pq being subtracted, and -pq means we have one of pq being subtracted, the sum of these terms is -3pq. This is because -2 of something plus -1 of the same thing results in -3 of that thing.
Here is the step-by-step explanation:
Identify like terms: Both terms have the variable product pq.
Add the coefficients (numerical parts) of these like terms: -2 (from -2pq) plus -1 (implicitly in -pq, as pq is the same as 1pq).
The result is -3 for the coefficient, so the sum is -3pq.