What is the simplified form of the expression: 8a - 3a + 5?

What is the simplified form of the expression: 8a - 3a + 5?

• A. 5a + 3
• B. 5a + 5
• C. 3a + 5
• D. 8a - 5

Answer: (B)

To simplify the expression 8a - 3a + 5, we start by combining the like terms. The terms involving 'a' are 8a and -3a. When combined, these produce: 8a - 3a = (8 - 3)a = 5a. After simplifying the variable terms, we add the constant term, which is +5, resulting in: 5a + 5. Thus, the expression simplifies to 5a + 5, which matches the correct answer. Understanding this process of combining like terms is fundamental in algebra, enabling students to simplify expressions efficiently.

To simplify the expression 8a - 3a + 5, we start by combining the like terms. The terms involving 'a' are 8a and -3a. When combined, these produce:

8a - 3a = (8 - 3)a = 5a.

After simplifying the variable terms, we add the constant term, which is +5, resulting in:

5a + 5.

Thus, the expression simplifies to 5a + 5, which matches the correct answer. Understanding this process of combining like terms is fundamental in algebra, enabling students to simplify expressions efficiently.