To simplify the expression \(-17 + 5 + 3i - 8\), we can combine the real parts and the imaginary parts separately.
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Combine the real parts: \(-17 + 5 - 8 = -17 + 5 = -12\) \(-12 - 8 = -20\)
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The imaginary part remains the same: \(3i\).
Putting it all together, we have: \(-20 + 3i\).
Therefore, the correct answer is: −20 + 3i (negative 20 plus 3 i).