What is the simplest form of 8a+a+2a9 after combining like terms?
All the terms are like terms because each contains a to the first power. Adding their coefficients gives 1+1+2=4, so a+a+2a=4a. Option A omits one a, while 2a² and a⁴ incorrectly change the power of the variable. Exam tip: when adding like terms, keep the variable and its power unchanged and add only the coefficients.
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