Hi Grant.
(3x + 5) + (2x - 9) is what we'll start with. Considering we cannot combine variables with numbers, we can only combine like-terms.
3x + 2x; 5 - 9; we result with: 5x - 4
Now, we are left with (5x - 4) - (4x + 3)
Remember to distribute the negative sign to everything to the right.
(5x - 4) - 4x - 3. We are now able to simplify and solve for our answer.
5x - 4x; -4 - 3; we result with x - 7.
Your answer is A.) x - 7.
I hope this helps!