1. **State the problem:** Simplify each algebraic expression by combining like terms. 2. **Recall the rule:** To simplify, add or subtract coefficients of the same variable and combine constant terms. 3. **Simplify expression a:** $$12 + 3p - 2 - 2p$$ Group like terms: $$ (12 - 2) + (3p - 2p)$$ Calculate constants: $$ 10 + p$$ 4. **Simplify expression b:** $$31g + 16 - 5g + 9 - 2g - 13$$ Group like terms: $$ (31g - 5g - 2g) + (16 + 9 - 13)$$ Calculate coefficients: $$ 24g + 12$$ 5. **Final answers:** - a: $p + 10$ - b: $24g + 12$