Certainly! Let's solve this step-by-step:
We are given the expressions for JM and LM:
- [tex]\( JM = 5x - 8 \)[/tex]
- [tex]\( LM = 2x - 6 \)[/tex]
We need to determine the expression that represents JL. According to the problem, JL is the combination of JM and LM, thus:
[tex]\[ JL = JM + LM \][/tex]
Substitute the given expressions into the equation:
[tex]\[ JL = (5x - 8) + (2x - 6) \][/tex]
Now, we will combine like terms. First, combine the [tex]\( x \)[/tex] terms:
[tex]\[ 5x + 2x = 7x \][/tex]
Then, combine the constant terms:
[tex]\[ -8 - 6 = -14 \][/tex]
So, the expression for JL is:
[tex]\[ JL = 7x - 14 \][/tex]
Therefore, the correct answer is:
[tex]\[ \boxed{7x - 14} \][/tex]
