Question

Simplify the following expression:
-5a + 3b - (-2а) - 7b
Show me how you do it please.

Answer 1

- 3a - 4b

Explanation:

note that - (- ) = + and + (- ) = -

- 5a + 3b - (- 2a) - 7b

= - 5a + 3b + 2a - 7b ← collect like terms

= (- 5a + 2a) + (3b - 7b)

= - 3a + (- 4b)

= - 3a - 4b