Problem 77 - Introductory Algebra for College Students

Question

Simplify each algebraic expression. $$2 a+5-9 a$$

Step-by-Step Solution

Answer

The simplified form of the original expression \(2a + 5 - 9a\) is \(-7a + 5\).

Step 1: Identify like terms

Identify like terms in the expression. In this case, the terms \(2a\) and \(-9a\) are like terms as both contain the same variable 'a'.

Step 2: Combine like terms

Combine the like terms identified in step 1. This means adding or subtracting the coefficients (the numerical parts) of these like terms. In this case, we subtract \(9a\) from \(2a\), thus \(2a - 9a = -7a\).

Step 3: Write the simplified expression

Now, we combine the calculated value of \(-7a\) with the constant value \(5\) in the difference. So, the simplified expression is \(-7a + 5\).