1. **State the problem:** Combine the like terms in the expression $$8r + 7 - 6r - 5$$ to create an equivalent expression. 2. **Identify like terms:** Like terms are terms that have the same variable raised to the same power. Here, $$8r$$ and $$-6r$$ are like terms because they both contain $$r$$. The constants $$7$$ and $$-5$$ are also like terms. 3. **Combine the like terms:** Combine the $$r$$ terms: $$8r - 6r = \cancel{8r} + \cancel{-6r} = 2r$$ Combine the constants: $$7 - 5 = 2$$ 4. **Write the equivalent expression:** $$2r + 2$$ 5. **Final answer:** The expression $$8r + 7 - 6r - 5$$ simplifies to $$2r + 2$$.