Which expression is equivalent to $$ -5 b-7-4 b-9 $$ ?

Question

UpStudy AI · Accepted Answer

To simplify the expression $$ -5b - 7 - 4b - 9 $$, follow these steps:

1. **Combine like terms (terms with $$ b $$):**
   $$
   -5b - 4b = -9b
   $$

2. **Combine the constant terms (numbers without $$ b $$):**
   $$
   -7 - 9 = -16
   $$

3. **Put it all together:**
   $$
   -9b - 16
   $$

**Therefore, an equivalent expression is:**
$$
-9b - 16
$$
An equivalent expression is $$ -9b - 16 $$.

Which expression is equivalent to \( -5 b-7-4 b-9 \) ?