Simplify the expression 5b + 3 - 2b + 1.

• A. 3b + 4
• B. 7b + 4
• C. 5b + 1
• D. 4b + 1

Answer: (A)

To simplify the expression 5b + 3 - 2b + 1, you need to combine like terms. Like terms are those that have the same variable raised to the same power. In this expression, we have two types of terms: the terms with the variable b (5b and -2b) and the constant terms (3 and 1).

First, let's combine the like terms with the variable b:

• Start with 5b and subtract 2b from it. This gives you:

5b - 2b = 3b.

Next, combine the constant terms:

• Add 3 and 1 together:

3 + 1 = 4.

Now, putting it all together, you combine the results of the like terms:

3b (from the variable terms) + 4 (from the constant terms) leads to the final simplified expression of 3b + 4.

This matches the correct choice, showing that the answer is 3b + 4. This process highlights the importance of gathering like terms to simplify algebraic expressions effectively.