How do you simplify $ 2x - 5 - 4x + 8 $ ?

Hint: To simplify this question , we need to solve it step by step . We should know that we can apply operations only on the like terms . We cannot perform calculations on different terms . In our given question , there are two different categories of the term in our question , that is we have two constants and two variables making up an algebraic expression . Here 2x and -4x are like terms and the constant alone cannot be used in any operation . But here we have two constants so we can apply operations on it and simplify it . Following this method can result in the required solution.

Complete step-by-step answer:
In order to solve the expression , we should know the following things –
Like terms are the terms which have the same variables with the same power . And opposite to these are called Unlike terms which do not have variables with the same powers in common .
Here 2x and -4x are like terms , so we can apply additional operations on the terms . Also , the constants 8 and -5 in the question can be calculated together . If No other constant is present in the Question other than a single constant then we cannot apply any operation on that and it will remain as it is .
We can solve it in this way =>
 $ 2x - 5 - 4x + 8 $
 $ 2x - 4x - 5 + 8 $
Separate and Calculate the like terms .
 $\Rightarrow - 2x + 3 $
We cannot take any thing common from the expression so ,
Therefore , the final answer to this question is $ - 2x + 3 $ .
So, the correct answer is “ $ - 2x + 3 $ ”.

Note: In like terms The Coefficients can be different but should have the same variable with the same power .
For example – 3x and 2x ,they are having different coefficients 2 and 3 but have common variable ‘ x’ , so these are like terms .
Always remember you can perform calculations only between like terms .
Also the terms are always separated with the operators ( addition or subtraction ) .
Do not get confuse between the term Literal and variable these are same terms