Question

When simplified, which of the following expressions has a coefficient of -3?

-2 m + 5 m
-5 m + 2 m
5 m - 2 m
2 m + 5 m

Answer 1

Let's simplify each expression one by one and check their coefficients.

1. **Expression: \(-2m + 5m\)**
\[
-2m + 5m = (5 - 2)m = 3m
\]
Coefficient: \(3\)

2. **Expression: \(-5m + 2m\)**
\[
-5m + 2m = (2 - 5)m = -3m
\]
Coefficient: \(-3\)

3. **Expression: \(5m - 2m\)**
\[
5m - 2m = (5 - 2)m = 3m
\]
Coefficient: \(3\)

4. **Expression: \(2m + 5m\)**
\[
2m + 5m = (2 + 5)m = 7m
\]
Coefficient: \(7\)

From the simplifications, the expression \(-5m + 2m\) results in a coefficient of \(-3\).

Thus, the answer is:
\(-5m + 2m\) has a coefficient of \(-3\).