What is the result of simplifying the expression -2a + 5a?

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Multiple Choice

What is the result of simplifying the expression -2a + 5a?

Explanation:
To simplify the expression -2a + 5a, it is essential to focus on combining like terms. In this case, both terms, -2a and 5a, share the same variable, which is 'a'. When combining like terms, you add or subtract the coefficients (the numerical factors in front of the variables). Here, the coefficients are -2 and 5. Calculating this gives: -2 + 5 = 3. After performing the arithmetic, you retain the variable 'a'. Therefore, the simplified form of the expression is 3a. This demonstrates the principle of combining like terms effectively, leading to the correct answer of 3a, which aligns with your chosen option.

To simplify the expression -2a + 5a, it is essential to focus on combining like terms. In this case, both terms, -2a and 5a, share the same variable, which is 'a'.

When combining like terms, you add or subtract the coefficients (the numerical factors in front of the variables). Here, the coefficients are -2 and 5.

Calculating this gives:

-2 + 5 = 3.

After performing the arithmetic, you retain the variable 'a'. Therefore, the simplified form of the expression is 3a.

This demonstrates the principle of combining like terms effectively, leading to the correct answer of 3a, which aligns with your chosen option.

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