Question

Write each expression using fewer terms. Show your work and/or explain your reasoning.
a) -5y - 7y

Answer 1

The simplified version of this expression would be: -12y

Because these are like terms, we can subtract -5 by 7 to find that -5 - 7 = -12. Now, we can add the variable back on for it to equal -12y.

Answer 2

the answer is -12y because when -5y and 7y are combined you get -12y