Question

solve the equation. what is the value of z? -5z. we can combine like terms to make the left side of the equation easier to work with. how can you rewrite the left side of the equation to combine like terms? 12 - 5(z + 2) = 3z - 10; 12 + -5(z + 2) = 3z - 10; 12 + -5z + -10 = 3z - 10. options: add 12 and -5z; add 12 and -10; add -5z and -10

Explanation:

Step1: Expand the left side

Using the distributive property, $-5(z + 2)=-5z - 10$, so the left side becomes $12-5z - 10$.

Step2: Combine like terms

The like terms on the left side are the constant terms 12 and - 10. So we add 12 and - 10. After combining, the left side is $2-5z$. Then we can solve the equation:
$2-5z = 3z-10$
Add $5z$ to both sides: $2=8z - 10$
Add 10 to both sides: $12 = 8z$
Divide both sides by 8: $z=\frac{12}{8}=\frac{3}{2}$ (But for the first part of the question about combining like terms, the correct operation is to add 12 and - 10)

Answer:

Add 12 and -10