Question

How do you simplify `8a + ab - a + 2b + 3ab`?

Answer 1

In order to simplify this expression, combine like terms.

Explanation:

Two or more terms in an expression or equation are like terms when they share the same variable(s). In our expression, both `8a` and `-a` have the variable `a` in them. Also, `ab` and `3ab` have `ab` in them. Let's combine these terms together:

`8a-a=7a`
`ab+3ab=4ab`

Substitute them back into the expression to get our answer:

`7a+2b+4ab`