Question

Combine like terms in the expression -5x + 2y + 5x – 8y.

A. 10x – 6y
B. -10x + 6y
o c." by
D. -10% – 10y

Answer 1

-5x + 2y + 5x - 8y = -6y

Explanation:

Like terms are terms whose variables (and their exponents) are the same.

`-5x+2y+5x-8y`

We have the terms:

`-5x;\ 2y;\ 5x;\ -8y`

Like terms:

`-5x\ \text{and}\ 5x,\ 2y\ \text{and}\ -8y`

Combine like terms:

`(-5x+5x)+(2y-8y)=0x+(-6y)=-6y`

Answer 2

-6y

Explanation:

the -5x and 5x cancel each other out, then the 2y and -8y become -6y.