Question

Find the sum and express it in simplest form. ( -y + 5a - 4 ) + ( -3y - a - 5 )

Answer 1

4a-4y-9

Explanation:

First we need to get rid of the brackets: - y + 5a - 4 -3y - a - 5

Because it a minus sign in the second the bracket and we need to add, all the terms are negative. Then we add like terms: - 4y + 4a - 9

Then we put a positive term in front: 4a - 4y - 9

Answer 2

(-y + 5a - 4) + (-3y - a - 5)

= 5a-a-y-3y-4-5 <---- Group like terms

= 4a-y-3y-4-5 <---- Add similar elements

= 4a-4y-4-5 <---- Add similar elements (cont.)

= 4a-4y-9