Question

simplify the expression:
7.8 - 1.4a + -3.8 + -7.4a - 3.6a

Explanation:

Step1: Combine constant terms

First, combine the constant terms (the terms without the variable \(a\)): \(7.8 + (-3.8)\).

$$7.8 - 3.8 = 4$$

Step2: Combine like terms with \(a\)

Next, combine the terms with the variable \(a\): \(-1.4a + (-7.4a) + (-3.6a)\).
First, add the coefficients: \(-1.4 - 7.4 - 3.6 = -12.4\)
So the combined term is \(-12.4a\)

Step3: Combine the results

Now, combine the constant term and the term with \(a\) from the previous steps: \(4 + (-12.4a)\) or simply \(4 - 12.4a\)

Answer:

\(4 - 12.4a\)