Final answer:
To collect like terms in an equation, combine the coefficients of variables with the same term. In this case, we combined the coefficients of n and p to simplify the equation.
Step-by-step explanation:
In the equation y = 3n + p + 5 - 2n + 8p, we can collect like terms by combining the coefficients of n and p.
Combining the n terms, we have 3n - 2n, which simplifies to n.
Combining the p terms, we have p + 8p, which simplifies to 9p.
Therefore, the simplified equation is y = n + 9p.
Learn more about Collecting like terms in an equation