1. **State the problem:** Combine the like terms in the expression $$-c - 3 + 7$$ to create an equivalent expression. 2. **Identify like terms:** Like terms are terms that contain the same variable raised to the same power. Here, $$-c$$ is a variable term and $$-3$$ and $$7$$ are constant terms. 3. **Combine constant terms:** Add the constants $$-3$$ and $$7$$. $$-3 + 7 = \cancel{-3} + 7 = 4$$ 4. **Write the simplified expression:** The variable term $$-c$$ remains as is, and the combined constant is $$4$$. So, the equivalent expression is: $$-c + 4$$