Final answer:
To simplify the expression 12e - 5f - 7e 3f, we combine like terms and add their coefficients. The simplified expression is 5e - 2f.
Step-by-step explanation:
To simplify the expression 12e - 5f - 7e 3f, we combine like terms. Like terms have the same variables raised to the same power. In this expression, the like terms are 12e and -7e, as well as -5f and 3f. First, we add the coefficients of the like terms: 12e + (-7e) = 5e and -5f + 3f = -2f. Therefore, the simplified expression is 5e - 2f. So, the correct answer is option a. 5e - 8f.
The question asks to simplify the expression 12e − 5f − 7e + 3f. To do this, we combine like terms by adding or subtracting the coefficients (numbers in front of the variables) of the same variable.
Combine the e terms: 12e − 7e = 5e
Combine the f terms: − 5f + 3f = − 2f
The simplified expression is therefore 5e − 2f, but this option is not listed in the provided choices.