If you simplify the expression 15xyz - 5xyz + 3xy + 2z, what do you get?

• A. 10xyz + 3xy
• B. 10xyz + 3xy + 2z
• C. 10xyz - 5xyz + 3xy
• D. 15xyz + 2z

Answer: (B)

To simplify the expression 15xyz - 5xyz + 3xy + 2z, you start by identifying and combining like terms. Like terms are those that have the same variables raised to the same powers.

First, look at the terms involving xyz: 15xyz and -5xyz. When you combine these, you perform the subtraction:

15xyz - 5xyz = (15 - 5)xyz = 10xyz.

Next, you examine the remaining terms, which are 3xy and 2z. These terms cannot be combined with each other or with 10xyz because they are not like terms. Therefore, they simply remain as they are.

Putting everything together, you combine the results:

• From the xyz terms, you get 10xyz.

• From the xy terms, you have 3xy.

• The z term stands alone as 2z.

So the simplified expression is 10xyz + 3xy + 2z. This matches the correct answer choice.