How do you combine like terms in #4.2a-3.5b-(1.8a+2.7b-1.9)#?

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Answer 1 · 2018-03-03T21:35:47

See a solution process below:

First, remove all of the terms from parenthesis. Be careful to handle the signs of each individual term correctly:

#4.2a - 3.5b - 1.8a - 2.7b + 1.9#

Next, group like terms:

#4.2a - 1.8a - 3.5b - 2.7b + 1.9#

Now, combine like terms:

#(4.2 - 1.8)a + (-3.5 - 2.7)b + 1.9#

#2.4a + (-6.2)b + 1.9#

#2.4a - 6.2b + 1.9#