If you have the expression 2x + 3 + 5 - 7x, what is the combined coefficient for x?

• A. -5
• B. 5
• C. -2
• D. 2

Answer: (A)

To find the combined coefficient for x in the expression 2x + 3 + 5 - 7x, you need to focus on the terms that contain the variable x.

Start by identifying the coefficients of x in the expression. The term 2x has a coefficient of 2, and the term -7x has a coefficient of -7. To combine these like terms, you simply add the coefficients:

2 (from 2x) + (-7) (from -7x) = 2 - 7 = -5.

Thus, the combined coefficient for x in the given expression is -5. This means that whenever you see x in the simplified expression, it will be multiplied by -5, indicating that the value of x has a negative influence when these terms are combined. This context reinforces why understanding how to combine coefficients is essential in algebraic expressions.