What is the result of simplifying the expression 2m + 3 - m + 1?

• A. m + 3
• B. m + 4
• C. 2m + 1
• D. 2m + 4

Answer: (B)

To simplify the expression 2m + 3 - m + 1, we start by identifying and combining the like terms, which are the terms that contain the variable (m) and the constant terms, respectively.

First, we have the terms that include (m):

• The expression starts with (2m) and then we have (-m).

• Combining these terms: (2m - m) equals (m).

Next, we look at the constant terms:

• The constants in the expression are (3) and (1).

• Adding these together gives us (3 + 1), which equals (4).

Putting these results together, we have (m) from the (m) terms and (4) from the constant terms, resulting in the simplified expression: (m + 4).

Thus, the correct simplification of the expression is (m + 4), making the answer accurate. This process of identifying like terms and combining them is central to algebraic simplification, allowing for an organized approach to solving such expressions.