Question

Bridget is asked to simplify the expression below.

-5x+4-3x-1+x-9

She states that the simplified expression is ax+b. Determine the values of a and b that make Bridget's statement true. Explain your reasoning.

Answer 1

so simplify the equation
remember
add like terms
x+x=2x
1+1=2
2x+4x=6x
3x^2+3x^2=6x^2
cannnot add x and x^2

so grou plike terms

-5x-3x+1x+4-1-9
add
-5-3+1=-7 and 4-1-9=-6 so
-7x-6 is the answer
ax+b
-7x-6
a=-7
b=-6