To find an expression that is equivalent to [tex]\(7a - 8 - 12a + 4\)[/tex], let's simplify it step by step:
1. Identify like terms involving the variable [tex]\(a\)[/tex]:
We have [tex]\(7a\)[/tex] and [tex]\(-12a\)[/tex]. These are the terms that involve the variable [tex]\(a\)[/tex].
2. Combine the like terms involving [tex]\(a\)[/tex]:
[tex]\[
7a - 12a = -5a
\][/tex]
So, the terms involving [tex]\(a\)[/tex] combine to [tex]\(-5a\)[/tex].
3. Identify and combine the constant terms:
We have constant terms [tex]\(-8\)[/tex] and [tex]\(+4\)[/tex].
4. Combine the constant terms:
[tex]\[
-8 + 4 = -4
\][/tex]
5. Write the simplified expression by combining the results:
The equivalent expression for [tex]\(7a - 8 - 12a + 4\)[/tex] is:
[tex]\[
-5a - 4
\][/tex]
So, the expression that is equivalent to [tex]\(7a - 8 - 12a + 4\)[/tex] is [tex]\(-5a - 4\)[/tex].
