Simplifying Algebraic Expressions: 2a-3b-3a-2b-a-c-(a-2b)
In this article, we will explore the steps to simplify the algebraic expression 2a-3b-3a-2b-a-c-(a-2b).
Step 1: Combine like terms
The first step in simplifying the expression is to combine like terms. Like terms are terms that have the same variable(s) and coefficient(s).
Combine the 'a' terms
We have three terms with the variable 'a':
- 2a
- -3a
- -a
- a (from the parentheses)
Combine these terms:
2a - 3a - a + a = -a
Combine the 'b' terms
We have two terms with the variable 'b':
- -3b
- -2b
- 2b (from the parentheses)
Combine these terms:
-3b - 2b + 2b = -3b
The 'c' term
The 'c' term is standalone, so we leave it as is:
- -c
Step 2: Simplify the expression
Now that we have combined the like terms, we can simplify the expression:
-a - 3b - c
Final Answer
The simplified algebraic expression is:
-a - 3b - c
By following these steps, we have successfully simplified the original expression 2a-3b-3a-2b-a-c-(a-2b).
