What is the result of combining the like terms 5a + 2a?

• A. 7a
• B. 10a
• C. 5a + 2a
• D. 3a

Answer: (A)

When you combine like terms, you look for terms that have the exact same variable and exponent. In this case, both terms, 5a and 2a, have the variable 'a' raised to the same power (which is 1).

To combine these terms, you simply add their coefficients, which are the numerical parts in front of the variable 'a'. Specifically, you add 5 (from 5a) and 2 (from 2a):

5 + 2 = 7.

This gives you a total coefficient of 7 in front of 'a', resulting in the simplified term 7a. Therefore, the correct answer is indeed 7a, as it accurately represents the sum of the two original terms.

Other options do not provide the correct combined result from the addition of the coefficients. Options that depict sums of coefficients that do not add to 7 or simply restate the original terms without simplification are not valid, reflecting a misunderstanding of how to combine like terms correctly.