Question

combine like terms: 5a^2 + 3a - 2a^2 - a

Explanation:

Step1: Combine \(a^2\) terms

Identify like terms for \(a^2\): \(5a^2\) and \(-2a^2\). Add their coefficients: \(5 - 2 = 3\), so we get \(3a^2\).

Step2: Combine \(a\) terms

Identify like terms for \(a\): \(3a\) and \(-a\). Add their coefficients: \(3 - 1 = 2\), so we get \(2a\).

Step3: Combine results

Combine the results from Step1 and Step2: \(3a^2 + 2a\).

Answer:

\(3a^2 + 2a\) (assuming the first option in the original problem was \(3a^2 + 2a\))