Combine like terms 7a - a + 16 = ?

7a - a + 16 =

7a - a = 6a

6a + 16 =

6a+16

Explanation:

If there's just a variable, there's an understood 1 in front of it. So what that really says is:

7a-1a+16

So, you combine the a's. 7a minus 1a is 6a. Same as 7-1, but you have a variable stuck on the end of it.

6a+16

:^)