Simplify the expression 6b + 2b - 4.

• A. 8b - 4
• B. 6b - 4
• C. 4b + 4
• D. 2b - 4

Answer: (A)

To simplify the expression 6b + 2b - 4, we start by combining the like terms. The like terms in this expression are 6b and 2b, which both contain the variable b.

When we add these together, we get:

6b + 2b = 8b.

Next, we still have the constant term (-4) in the expression. To incorporate this, we combine it with our already simplified term:

8b - 4.

This results in the final simplified expression of 8b - 4. Therefore, the answer is correct because it accurately represents the combined like terms and retains the constant.

This process highlights the importance of combining coefficients of like terms while keeping constants separate, leading you to a clean, simplified expression.