Question

simplify the expression: -1 + -1 + -5a

Explanation:

Step1: Combine like terms (-1 and -1)

First, we add the constant terms \(-1\) and \(-1\). The sum of \(-1\) and \(-1\) is \(-1 + (-1) = -2\).

Step2: Write the simplified expression

The term with the variable \(-5a\) remains as it is, and we combine it with the sum of the constant terms. So the simplified expression is \(-2 - 5a\) (or \(-5a - 2\), since addition is commutative).

Answer:

\(-5a - 2\) (or \(-2 - 5a\))