Certainly! Let's solve the problem step-by-step.
We are given:
[tex]\[ JM = 5x - 8 \][/tex]
[tex]\[ LM = 2x - 6 \][/tex]
We need to combine these to form the expression for [tex]\( JL \)[/tex].
To find [tex]\( JL \)[/tex], we sum up JM and LM:
[tex]\[ JL = JM + LM \][/tex]
Now, substitute the given expressions for JM and LM:
[tex]\[ JL = (5x - 8) + (2x - 6) \][/tex]
Combine the like terms (terms involving [tex]\( x \)[/tex] and constant terms):
[tex]\[ JL = 5x + 2x - 8 - 6 \][/tex]
[tex]\[ JL = 7x - 14 \][/tex]
Hence, the expression that represents [tex]\( JL \)[/tex] is:
[tex]\[ 7x - 14 \][/tex]
Therefore, the correct answer is:
[tex]\[ \boxed{7x - 14} \][/tex]
