Question

Simplify:

−12z2 −16z2

Option 1: -28 - 28z^2
Option 2: -28z^2
Option 3: -28
Option 4: The expression cannot be simplified.

Answer 1

To simplify −12z² −16z², combine like terms to get −28z², which is Option 2.

Step-by-step explanation:

The student has asked us to simplify the mathematical expression −12z2 −16z2.

To simplify this expression, we combine like terms. Since both terms have the same variable part, which is z2, we can add the coefficients (the numerical parts) together. The coefficients are -12 and -16:

• -12 + (-16) = -28

Thus, combining the two terms we get:

• −28z2

The simplified expression is −28z2, which corresponds to Option 2.