How do you add 2x + -5x? Algebra Expressions, Equations, and Functions Variable Expressions 1 Answer Don't Memorise Sep 25, 2015 # (2x) + (-5x) = color(green)( -3x# Explanation: The variable #x# is common to both the terms. So taking the common factor out, we get: #(2x) + (-5x) = x*{2+(-5)}# # = x*{2-5}# # = x*(-3)# # =color(green)( -3x# Answer link Related questions How do you write the variable expression for: a quotient of 2 and the sum of a number and 3 ? What are variables? What are variable expressions? How do you write variable expressions? How do you evaluate variable expressions? How do you simplify the expression #3x-x+4#? How do you write a quotient of a number and 6 as an expression? How do you evaluate the expression #2x+1# for #x=1#? How do you write a product of a number and 2 as an expression? How do you write 5 less than 2 times a number as a variable expression? See all questions in Variable Expressions Impact of this question 1640 views around the world You can reuse this answer Creative Commons License