Question

combine the like terms to create an equivalent expression. 5x + 7x

Explanation:

Step1: Identify like terms

The terms \(5x\) and \(7x\) are like terms because they have the same variable \(x\) raised to the same power (1).

Step2: Combine coefficients

To combine like terms, we add their coefficients. The coefficient of \(5x\) is 5, and the coefficient of \(7x\) is 7. So we calculate \(5 + 7 = 12\).

Step3: Write the combined term

Using the sum of the coefficients and the common variable, we get \(12x\).

Answer:

\(12x\)