Algebraic Simplification 2026 Practice Test – Combine Like Terms and Prepare

To find the result of combining the terms \(2a^2 + 3a^2 - a^2\), we start by identifying the like terms involved. All the terms, \(2a^2\), \(3a^2\), and \(-a^2\), are multiples of \(a^2\).

1. First, add the coefficients of the positive terms: \(2 + 3 = 5\).

2. Now, include the negative coefficient from \(-a^2\), which is effectively subtracting 1: \(5 - 1 = 4\).

Thus, when you combine these like terms, you effectively have \(4a^2\). This means the correct result of the expression \(2a^2 + 3a^2 - a^2\) is indeed \(4a^2\).

The other options do not accurately represent the sum of these terms, as they do not correctly account for the coefficients during combination.