solution: The constant term of the product of two polynomials is just the product of the two constant terms. Therefore we know that $6=-2a$, so $a=-3$. We now consider the linear term of the product of our polynomials. It's given by $-16t=(5t\cdot-2)+a\cdot bt\Longrightarrow-16t=-10t+(-3)bt\Longrightarrow b=2$. Therefore our answer is $a+b=\boxed{-1}$.
prompt.content: <|im_start|>system
  You are a helpful assistant.<|im_end|>
  <|im_start|>user
  The product of $3t^2+5t+a$ and $4t^2+bt-2$ is $12t^4+26t^3-8t^2-16t+6$. What is $a+b$?
  Please reason step by step, and put your final answer within \boxed{{}}.<|im_end|>
  <|im_start|>assistant
  
prompt.role: user
extra_info.answer: -1
extra_info.question: The product of $3t^2+5t+a$ and $4t^2+bt-2$ is $12t^4+26t^3-8t^2-16t+6$. What is $a+b$?
extra_info.split: test