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Advanced MathEasyAdding expressions with three variables

Advanced Math practice question

Which expression is equivalent to (3a + 2b − c) + (a − 5b + 4c)?

  1. A. 4a − 3b + 3cCorrect
  2. B. 4a + 7b + 3c
  3. C. 4a − 3b − 3c
  4. D. 3a − 3b + 3c

Answer: A. 4a − 3b + 3c

Combine like terms: 3a + a = 4a; 2b − 5b = −3b; −c + 4c = 3c. Result: 4a − 3b + 3c.

Why the other answers are wrong

B. 4a + 7b + 3c
2b − 5b is −3b, not +7b; the signs of the b terms were ignored.
C. 4a − 3b − 3c
−c + 4c is +3c: adding 4c to −c goes up, not down.
D. 3a − 3b + 3c
3a + a is 4a; the lone 'a' in the second expression was dropped.

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