Question

Solve the expression (3x - 14 - 5x + 2y + 10)

a) (8x + 2y - 4)
b) (-2x + 2y - 4)
c) (-2x - 2y + 4)
d) (8x - 2y + 4)

Answer 1

To solve the expression, we simplify by combining like terms: 3x - 5x becomes -2x, and -14 + 10 becomes -4, with the 2y term unchanged. The simplified expression is -2x + 2y - 4.

Step-by-step explanation:

The student is trying to solve the expression by combining like terms. Simplifying the given expression (3x - 14 - 5x + 2y + 10) involves combining the x terms and the constant terms. We do this by adding 3x and -5x together, and also -14 and +10.

Here is the simplification step-by-step:

1. Combine the x terms: 3x + (-5x) = -2x.
2. Combine the constant terms: -14 + 10 = -4.
3. The terms with y remain unchanged because there are no other y terms to combine with: +2y.
4. Therefore, the simplified expression is -2x + 2y - 4.

So the correct answer is (b) (-2x + 2y - 4).