The first step in simplifying this expression is to identify which, if any, terms can be combined. Remember, only like terms — constant terms or terms with the same variable — can be combined.
6 - 5z+ 8 - 4z + 1
In this case, we have two z-terms and three constants. To simplify the expression we will rearrange it according to the Commutative Property of Addition and then combine like terms.
