First, let's find the additive inverse of the linear expression within the second set of parentheses. To do so, we can distribute -1 into the second set of parentheses. When we do so, we multiply each term of that linear expression by -1.
Now, let's identify which, if any, terms can be combined. Remember, only like terms — constant terms or terms with the same variable — can be combined.
( 2x + 4)+ x - 5
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.
& 2 x +4
&+ x - 5
& 3 x -1
Therefore, we get the following result.
(2x+4)-(- x + 5) = 3x-1
