Question

Simplify the linear expression. −53a+18−16a−12 Enter your answer as simplified fractions in the boxes.

Answer 1

To simplify the expression −53a + 18 − 16a − 12, we combine like terms to get −69a + 6. This involves adding the coefficients of 'a' and combining the constant numbers separately.

Step-by-step explanation:

To simplify the linear expression −53a + 18 − 16a − 12, we must combine like terms by adding or subtracting the coefficients of similar variables and constants separately.

• First, combine the variable terms: −53a − 16a = −69a.
• Then, combine the constant terms: 18 − 12 = 6.
• The simplified expression is therefore −69a + 6.

It is always good practice to check if the answer is reasonable. In this case, the simplification involves basic arithmetic, and the result appears to be correct as it follows the standard rules for combining like terms.