Simplify the expression: 3a + 5 - 2a + 8.

• A. 1a + 13
• B. 5a + 13
• C. a + 13
• D. 3a + 13

Answer: (C)

To simplify the expression (3a + 5 - 2a + 8), start by identifying and combining like terms.

First, look at the terms that contain the variable (a). You have (3a) and (-2a). When you combine these, you perform the following calculation:

[

3a - 2a = 1a

]

Next, identify the constant terms in the expression, which are (5) and (8). Combining these constants involves simple addition:

[

5 + 8 = 13

]

Now, combine the results of the terms with (a) and the constant terms. You get:

[

1a + 13

]

Since (1a) is equivalent to just (a), you can write the simplified expression as:

[

a + 13

]

Thus, the correct simplified expression is (a + 13). This aligns with the choice labeled as C, confirming that this is indeed the correct answer.