Sure, let's combine like terms in the expression [tex]\(9a - 6a + 4b\)[/tex]. Here is the detailed, step-by-step solution:
Step 1: Identify like terms.
- The terms [tex]\(9a\)[/tex] and [tex]\(6a\)[/tex] are like terms because they both have the variable [tex]\(a\)[/tex].
- The term [tex]\(4b\)[/tex] is different, as it has the variable [tex]\(b\)[/tex] and there are no other terms with [tex]\(b\)[/tex] to combine it with.
Step 2: Combine the coefficients of like terms.
- Combine the coefficients of [tex]\(a\)[/tex] from [tex]\(9a\)[/tex] and [tex]\(-6a\)[/tex].
[tex]\[
9a - 6a = (9 - 6)a = 3a
\][/tex]
- The term [tex]\(4b\)[/tex] remains as is because there are no other [tex]\(b\)[/tex] terms to combine with it.
Step 3: Write the simplified expression.
- After combining the coefficients of like terms, we get:
[tex]\[
3a + 4b
\][/tex]
Hence, the expression [tex]\(9a - 6a + 4b\)[/tex] simplifies to [tex]\(3a + 4b\)[/tex].
