If the equation is let's say 3x+ 7 +4x to combine like terms, you would take 3x and 4x since they both have x. You wouldn't take the 7 since it doesn't have and x like the other numbers. 3x +4x = 7x so your new equation would be 7x + 7.
The signs of the numbers in the problem matter because if a number is negative in the equation than you're answer could be negative. ex. -3/9= -3 but if the negative sign wasn't there than the answer would be wrong bc the answer would be positive.
hope thats what you need hope it helps.
Start with expression 
1. Separate terms - with x leave in left side, without x write in right side:
2. Divide the last expression by a (
):
Answer: this statement is true when .
i believe the answer would be x > 1?
