To find the expression that represents \( JL \), we need to combine the given expressions for \( JM \) and \( LM \).
Given:
[tex]\[ JM = 5x - 8 \][/tex]
[tex]\[ LM = 2x - 6 \][/tex]
We want to find the expression for \( JL \) such that \( JL = JM + LM \).
Step-by-step process:
1. Combine the expressions:
[tex]\[ JL = (5x - 8) + (2x - 6) \][/tex]
2. Group the like terms (combine the terms involving \( x \) and the constant terms):
[tex]\[ JL = 5x + 2x - 8 - 6 \][/tex]
3. Add the coefficients of \( x \):
[tex]\[ 5x + 2x = 7x \][/tex]
4. Add the constant terms:
[tex]\[ -8 - 6 = -14 \][/tex]
Therefore, the expression for \( JL \) is:
[tex]\[ JL = 7x - 14 \][/tex]
So, the correct expression that represents \( JL \) is:
[tex]\[ 7x - 14 \][/tex]
Hence, the correct answer is:
[tex]\[ \boxed{7x - 14} \][/tex]
