Simplifying the expression 12m - 3m + 4 leads to which of the following?

• A. 9m + 4
• B. 8m + 3
• C. 6m + 4
• D. 12m + 4

Answer: (A)

To simplify the expression 12m - 3m + 4, it's important to combine like terms correctly. Like terms are terms that include the same variable raised to the same power. In this case, 12m and -3m are like terms because they both have the variable 'm'.

Starting with the variables, you subtract 3m from 12m:

12m - 3m = (12 - 3)m = 9m.

Next, the constant term, which in this expression is simply +4, remains as it is because there are no other constant terms to combine with it.

Putting it all together, the simplified expression becomes:

9m + 4.

Thus, the correct answer is that the expression simplifies to 9m + 4. This process of simplification demonstrates the importance of grouping and combining terms that are alike, ensuring an accurate and concise polynomial expression.