Simplify the expression 15y + 4 - 3y + 7.

• A. 12y + 11
• B. 12y + 10
• C. 10y + 11
• D. 10y + 4

Answer: (A)

To simplify the expression 15y + 4 - 3y + 7, you begin by identifying and combining like terms. Like terms are terms that contain the same variable raised to the same power.

In this expression, the like terms involving the variable 'y' are 15y and -3y. When you combine these, you perform the operation:

15y - 3y = 12y.

Next, you look at the constant terms in the expression, which are 4 and 7. Adding these together gives:

4 + 7 = 11.

Now, bringing those simplified components together, you have combined the like terms to obtain 12y for the variable part and added the constants to get 11. Therefore, the completely simplified expression is:

12y + 11.

This aligns with the correct answer, showcasing how combining like terms leads to the final result. Understanding the process of identifying and combining like terms is crucial for performing algebraic simplification effectively.