Algebraic Simplification: Combining Like Terms for Students Practice Test

To simplify the expression -2y + 3 + y - 5, we start by identifying and combining the like terms. Like terms are those that contain the same variable raised to the same power.

First, we can group the terms that involve the variable y:

- The terms with y are -2y and +y. When we combine these, we have:

-2y + y = -1y, which can also be written as -y.

Next, we will combine the constant terms:

- The constant terms are +3 and -5. Adding these gives us:

3 - 5 = -2.

Putting it all together, we can express the simplified result as:

-y - 2.

This leads us to the conclusion that the expression simplifies down to -y - 2. Therefore, the correct answer is the one that reflects this final result accurately.