What is the simplified result of the expression 5a + 2 - 3a + 7?

• A. 2a + 5
• B. 2a + 9
• C. 5a + 9
• D. 2a + 7

Answer: (B)

To simplify the expression 5a + 2 - 3a + 7, you start by identifying like terms. Like terms are terms that contain the same variable raised to the same power. In this expression, you can see two terms with the variable 'a' (5a and -3a) and two constant terms (2 and 7).

Start by combining the 'a' terms:

5a - 3a equals 2a.

Next, combine the constant terms:

2 + 7 equals 9.

Putting both results together, you arrive at 2a + 9, which represents the sum of the simplified variable part and the constant part of the expression.

This process illustrates the consolidation of similar variable components and constants to streamline the expression, leading to the correct answer.