Collin generates an expression equivalent to 7w−5+x−3(w+5)−x and writes it in its simplest form. What is the coefficient of the variable w?

Question

Collin generates an expression equivalent to 7w−5+x−3(w+5)−x and writes it in its simplest form. What is the coefficient of the variable w?

Answer 1

First, distribute the -3 to both terms in the parentheses: 7w - 5 + x - 3w - 15 - x.

Next, combine like terms: (7w - 3w) + (-5 - 15) + (x - x).

Simplifying gives: 4w - 20.

Finally, the coefficient of the variable w is 4. Answer: \boxed{4}.