Simplify 8x+4y+4z-5x+2z-8y

You do, indeed, add all the like terms, but, unfortunately, your step 2 doesn't match the original expression, Anonymous!

8x + 4y + 4z - 5x + 2z -8y =

3x + 4y + 4z + 2z -8y     combining the x's

3x - 4y + 4z + 2z            combining the y's

3x - 4y + 6z                   combining the z's

1. You add all the like terms!


2. 8x+4y+4z-5x+2x-8y


3. 8x+4y+4z-5x+2x-8y


4. 8x-5x=3x and 3x+2x=5x


5. 4y-8y=-4y


6. And there are no other like terms for +4z


7. Combine them all: 5x-4y+4z


8. So 5x-4y+4z is your answer.