identify the terms, like terms, coefficients, and constant terms. Then, simplify the expression:

Let's break down the expression step by step:

1. **Identify the terms:**
The expression is \( 8c - 12 - 5c + 4 \). The individual terms are:
- \( 8c \)
- \( -12 \)
- \( -5c \)
- \( +4 \)

2. **Identify like terms:**
Like terms are terms that contain the same variable raised to the same power. In this case, the like terms are:
- \( 8c \) and \( -5c \) (both contain \( c \))
- \( -12 \) and \( +4 \) (both are constant terms)

3. **Identify coefficients:**
The coefficient is the numerical factor in front of a variable:
- The coefficient of \( 8c \) is **8**.
- The coefficient of \( -5c \) is **-5**.
- The coefficients of the constant terms \( -12 \) and \( +4 \) are **-12** and **4**, respectively.

4. **Identify constant terms:**
The constant terms are the terms without a variable:
- The constant terms are \( -12 \) and \( +4 \).

Now, let's simplify the expression \( 8c - 12 - 5c + 4 \):

- Combine the like terms involving \( c \):
\[
8c - 5c = (8 - 5)c = 3c
\]

- Combine the constant terms:
\[
-12 + 4 = -8
\]

Putting it all together, the simplified expression is:
\[
3c - 8
\]

Thus, the final result of simplification is:
\[
3c - 8
\]