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.
( 0.5x+ 15)+( 8.2x -16.6)In this case, we have two x-terms and two constants. Let's arrange the like terms in columns. Then, let's perform the addition.
& 0.5 x +15
&+ 8.2 x - 16.6
& 8.7 x - 1.6
Therefore, we get the following result.
(0.5x+15)+(8.2x-16.6) = 8.7x-1.6
