What is the result when you combine the terms: 3x + 5x?

• A. 8x
• B. 15x
• C. 2x
• D. 6x

Answer: (A)

Combining like terms involves adding or subtracting coefficients of terms that have the same variable raised to the same power. In this case, both terms 3x and 5x are like terms because they both contain the variable x.

To combine them, you simply add the coefficients (the numbers in front of the variable). Here, the coefficients are 3 and 5. When you perform the addition:

3 (from 3x) + 5 (from 5x) equals 8.

Thus, when you write this combined term, you have 8x. This process reflects the fundamental principle of combining like terms, ensuring that the variable remains unchanged while the coefficients are summed to yield the new coefficient. Therefore, the result of combining the terms 3x and 5x is indeed 8x.