Final answer:
To combine like terms in the expression 3x + 5x, you add the coefficients of the variable 'x' (3 + 5) to get 8, resulting in the simplified expression 8x.
Step-by-step explanation:
The subject of this question is combining like terms in algebra, which is a fundamental concept in mathematics. The process involves adding or subtracting coefficients of variables that are the same, known as like terms. For example, in the expression 3x + 5x, both terms have the variable 'x', so we can combine them.
Step-by-step explanation:
- Identify like terms: In this case, 3x and 5x are like terms because they both contain the variable 'x'.
- Add the coefficients of the like terms: The coefficient of 3x is 3 and the coefficient of 5x is 5. Therefore, 3 + 5 = 8.
- Combine the coefficients with the common variable: The combined term is 8x.
Final answer: 3x + 5x simplifies to 8x.
Always make sure to check the answer to see if it is reasonable, and remember that terms can be combined as stated in the commutative property, A + B = B + A, which also applies to algebraic expressions.