Simplify 5b + 3 - 2b + 1.

• A. 3b + 4
• B. 5b + 4
• C. 2b + 4
• D. 3b + 3

Answer: (A)

To simplify the expression 5b + 3 - 2b + 1, you begin by identifying and combining the like terms. Like terms are those that contain the same variable to the same power.

First, group the terms that include the variable b together and the constant terms together:

1. The terms with b are 5b and -2b. When combined, you perform the operation:

( 5b - 2b = 3b ).

2. The constant terms are 3 and 1. Adding these together gives:

( 3 + 1 = 4 ).

Putting it all together, the simplified expression becomes:

( 3b + 4 ).

This matches with the correct answer, which indicates that the simplification process accurately combined both like terms of the variable and the constants.