To simplify expressions, distribute if needed and combine like terms if needed.
Like terms are terms that have the same variable(s) (or lack thereof) and are to the same exponent. If a exponent is not shown, an exponent to 1 is implied.
In the expression 8x - 2 + 3x + 10 what terms can be combined? The terms -2 and 10 can be combined as they both have no variable and are to the same power.
8x - 2 + 3x + 10
8x + 3x + 8
Likewise with the terms 8x and 3x can be combined. Because they both have the variable and are to the same power.
8x + 3x + 8
11x + 8
So, 11x + 8 is the answer.