To rewrite the expression \( 18 - 8(3x - 8) \) using the distributive property, we can start by distributing \(-8\) to both terms inside the parentheses. Here is how it goes step by step:
-
Rewrite the expression: \[ 18 - 8(3x - 8) = 18 + (-8(3x - 8)) \]
-
Distribute \(-8\): \[ -8(3x - 8) = -8 \cdot 3x + (-8) \cdot (-8) \] This simplifies to: \[ -24x + 64 \]
-
Combine it back into the expression: \[ 18 + (-24x + 64) \]
-
Combine the constant terms (18 and 64): \[ 18 + 64 = 82 \]
Thus, the equivalent expression is: \[ 82 - 24x \]
In summary: \[ 18 - 8(3x - 8) = 82 - 24x \]