Question

simplify the expression:
9 + 7b + 8b

Explanation:

Step1: Combine like terms (7b and 8b)

To combine \(7b\) and \(8b\), we add their coefficients. The coefficient of \(7b\) is 7 and the coefficient of \(8b\) is 8. So, \(7b + 8b=(7 + 8)b\). Calculating \(7+8\) gives 15, so \(7b + 8b = 15b\).

Step2: Rewrite the expression with the combined term

The original expression is \(9+7b + 8b\). After combining the like terms, we substitute \(7b + 8b\) with \(15b\). So the simplified expression is \(9 + 15b\) (or \(15b+9\) since addition is commutative).

Answer:

\(9 + 15b\)