The correct answer is 32 but what are the steps to solve it ?

(-2x^2 + x + 31) + (3x^2 + 7x -8) = ax^2+bx+c

Simplify the left side of the equation:
-2x^2 + 3x^2 + x + 7x + 31 -8 = x^2+8x+23

Now you'll see that 'a' will have to be 1 (since the coefficient for x^2 is 1)

'b' = 8 (coefficient for x)
'c' = 23 (the constant in the equation)

Add them up!

1+8+23= 32

Hope this helps!

C. junior college i hope this .