Simplify. -9c-7c
The correct answer and explanation is:
The simplified expression for −9c−7c-9c – 7c is −16c-16c.
Explanation:
When simplifying algebraic expressions like this one, you need to combine like terms. Like terms are terms that have the same variable raised to the same power. In this case, both terms contain the variable cc, so they are considered like terms and can be combined.
- The first term is −9c-9c.
- The second term is −7c-7c.
To combine these terms, you simply add their coefficients (the numerical values in front of the variable cc) while keeping the variable part the same.
- The coefficients of the terms are −9-9 and −7-7.
- To combine them, add −9-9 and −7-7, which gives −16-16.
Therefore, the result is −16c-16c.
Key Points:
- Like terms: Terms that have the same variable raised to the same power.
- Combining coefficients: When adding or subtracting like terms, combine the numerical parts (coefficients) and keep the variable unchanged.
- Simplification: The process of reducing an expression to its simplest form.
In this example, since both terms involve cc, you only focus on the coefficients −9-9 and −7-7, and the resulting expression after combining them is −16c-16c.