To simplify the expression \( (1.4x^3 - 2x) - 2(-0.2x^2 + 1.7x) \), follow these steps:
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Distribute the \(-2\) across the second expression: \[ -2(-0.2x^2 + 1.7x) = 0.4x^2 - 3.4x \]
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Substitute this back into the expression: \[ (1.4x^3 - 2x) + (0.4x^2 - 3.4x) \]
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Now combine like terms: \[ 1.4x^3 + 0.4x^2 - 2x - 3.4x = 1.4x^3 + 0.4x^2 - 5.4x \]
So the simplified expression is: \[ \boxed{1.4x^3 + 0.4x^2 - 5.4x} \]