The work shows finding the sum of the algebraic expressions –3a + 2b and 5a + (–7b). –3a + 2b + 5a + (–7b) Step 1: –3a +5a+ 2b + (–7b) Step 2: (–3 + 5)a + [2 + (–7)]b Step 3: 2a + (–5b) Which is used in each step to simplify the sum? Step 1: Step 2: Step 3: