Combine like terms: - 5a - 12a + 2b - 3b

In this situation, you would be combining like terms.

What this means is that you solve for the terms that are the same

Solve:

-5a - 12a + 2b - 3b

-5a and - 12a are like terms, so solve them by combining them

-17a + 2b - 3b

You would also see that 2b and - 3b are the same term, so solve them as well.

-17a - b

There are no more like terms, so your answer would be - 17a - b

Answer: - 17a - b

-17a-b

Step-by-step explanation:

-5a-12a=-17a

2b-3b=b