How many terms are in this sum?

5x-6a+8

To determine the number of terms in the given sum, you need to identify the individual terms. In this case, the terms are separated by the addition and subtraction operators (+ and -).

The given sum is: 5x - 6a + 8

To count the terms, you look for the number of individual expressions separated by the operators. In this case, there are three terms:

1. The first term is 5x.
2. The second term is -6a. Note that the negative sign in front of 6a is part of the term.
3. The third term is 8.

Therefore, there are three terms in the sum.