What is the simplified form of 10a + 5b - 3a + 2b?

• A. 7a + 7b
• B. 10a + 7b
• C. 7a + 5b
• D. 10a + 5b

Answer: (A)

To simplify the expression 10a + 5b - 3a + 2b, you need to combine like terms. Like terms are terms that contain the same variable raised to the same power.

First, look for the terms that involve the variable 'a'. You have 10a and -3a. When you combine these, you subtract 3a from 10a:

10a - 3a = 7a.

Next, examine the terms that involve 'b'. You have 5b and +2b. When you combine these, you add 2b to 5b:

5b + 2b = 7b.

Now, combine both results to form the simplified expression:

7a + 7b.

This is the reason why the answer is correct, as it accurately represents the simplification of the original expression by combining the coefficients of like terms.