Question

simplify.
3a + 2b - 8a + b
options:
5a + 3b
-5a + 3b
-11a + 2b
11a + 2b

Explanation:

Step1: Combine like terms for \(a\)

We have \(3a - 8a\). Using the rule of combining like terms (subtracting the coefficients), we get \((3 - 8)a=-5a\).

Step2: Combine like terms for \(b\)

We have \(2b + b\). Using the rule of combining like terms (adding the coefficients), we get \((2 + 1)b = 3b\).

Step3: Combine the results

Combining the results from Step1 and Step2, we get \(-5a+3b\).

Answer:

\(-5a + 3b\)