Combine the like terms to create an equivalent expression:

- 4y - 4 + (-3)

4y - 7

Step-by-step explanation:

Like terms are terms that have the same variable part. Variable part means the part of a term that is one or more variables and the exponents of the variables.

For example, in 2x^2 + 4xy + 5x^2 + 2y + 5 - 3y, the terms 2x^2 and 5x^2 have x^2 as their variable part. They are like terms. Likewise, 2y and - 3y have y as their variable part. They are like terms. 2x^2 and 5x^2 can be combined into 7x^2. 2y and - 3y can be combined into - y. The terms 4xy and 5 are not like terms and cannot be combined. By combining like terms in 2x^2 + 4xy + 5x^2 + 2y + 5 - 3y, you end up with 7x^2 + 4xy - y + 5.

Now we deal with your problem.

-4y - 4 + (-3)

The term - 4y has a y as a variable. There is no other term with a y in it, so the term - 4y cannot be combined.

The terms - 4 and - 3 have no variables. These two terms are like terms and can be combined.

-4y - 4 + (-3) =

-4y - 7

-4y - 7

Step-by-step explanation:

-4y - 4 + - 3

1. - 4 + - 3 = - 7

= - 4y - 7