Combine the like terms 4x+ 17x + 5y + 19 - 28b + 48y +87a - 24x

-3x + 53y + 19 + (-28b) + 87a

First off, you need to circle every single thing on this expression, including the math symbols. So in order to do that, circle the symbols with the number behind:

19 - 28b -> (19) (-28b)

All of your numbers should end up like this:

(4x) (17x) (5y) (19) (-28b) (48y) (87a) (-24x)

Next, place an addition symbol in between all of them.

4x + 17x + 5y + 19 + (-28b) + 48y + 87a + (-24x)

Then, rearrange the numbers with the same variable (ex. a in “87a” is the variable), and the numbers without a variable as-well.

(4x + 17x + (-24x)) + (5y + 48y) + (19) + (-28b) + 87a

Finally, add all of the variables with the same letter with each other. You also need to add the numbers without one but since 19 is the only number without a variable in this expression you don’t add it to anything.

Your answer should come out to this:

-3x + 53y + 19 + (-28b) + 87a