Question

simplify $10a + 7a + 3a$; options: $20a$, $17a$, $14a$, $9a$

Explanation:

Step1: Combine like terms

Since \(10a\), \(7a\), and \(3a\) are like terms (they all have the variable \(a\) with the same exponent), we can add their coefficients. The coefficients are \(10\), \(7\), and \(3\). So we calculate \(10 + 7+ 3\).

Step2: Calculate the sum of coefficients

\(10 + 7+ 3 = 20\). Then we multiply this sum by the variable \(a\), so we get \(20a\).

Answer:

A. \(20a\)