If you have the terms 7a² and -3a², what is the result of combining them?

• A. 4a²
• B. -10a²
• C. 10a²
• D. 0

Answer: (A)

To combine the terms 7a² and -3a², you start by identifying that both terms are like terms because they have the same variable part, a². When you combine like terms, you simply add or subtract their coefficients.

Here, the coefficient of the first term is 7, and the coefficient of the second term is -3. The process involves performing the arithmetic operation:

7 + (-3) = 7 - 3 = 4.

Therefore, when you combine these two terms, you get 4a² as the result. This shows that the correct answer directly reflects the correct application of combining like terms, ensuring that the variable a² remains, while only the coefficients are adjusted.