To simplify the expression \( 7a + (-8a) + (-8a) - 6a + 5a + (-10a) \), we can combine like terms (the coefficients of \( a \)).
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First, list out the coefficients:
- \( 7 \) (from \( 7a \))
- \( -8 \) (from \( -8a \))
- \( -8 \) (from another \( -8a \))
- \( -6 \) (from \( -6a \))
- \( 5 \) (from \( 5a \))
- \( -10 \) (from \( -10a \))
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Now, add these coefficients together: \[ 7 + (-8) + (-8) + (-6) + 5 + (-10) \]
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Calculate step by step: \[ 7 - 8 = -1 \] \[ -1 - 8 = -9 \] \[ -9 - 6 = -15 \] \[ -15 + 5 = -10 \] \[ -10 - 10 = -20 \]
Therefore, the simplified expression is: \[ -20a \]