Identify like terms: Identify like terms in the expression. 5a2 and 7a2 are like terms because they both contain the variable a raised to the same power.
Combine like terms: Combine like terms by adding their coefficients.5a2+7a2=(5+7)a2
Perform addition: Perform the addition of the coefficients. 5+7=12
Write simplified expression: Write the simplified expression with the combined coefficient. 12a2
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