Question

simplify the expression:
7.8 + -5.9 + -8.8 + -10.5 + 9.6q + -9.2q

Explanation:

Step1: Combine constant terms

First, add the constant numbers: \(7.8 + (-5.9) + (-8.8) + (-10.5)\). Calculate step by step: \(7.8 - 5.9 = 1.9\); then \(1.9 - 8.8 = -6.9\); then \(-6.9 - 10.5 = -17.4\).

Step2: Combine variable terms

Next, combine the terms with \(q\): \(9.6q + (-9.2q)=9.6q - 9.2q = 0.4q\).

Step3: Combine results

Now, combine the result from the constant terms and the variable terms: \(-17.4 + 0.4q\).

Answer:

\(0.4q - 17.4\) (or \( -17.4 + 0.4q\))