To simplify the expression \( 4 + 8(3x - 2) - 7x \), we will apply the order of operations, specifically focusing on the distributive property.
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Distribute the \( 8 \) to both terms inside the parentheses:
\[ 8(3x - 2) = 8 \cdot 3x - 8 \cdot 2 = 24x - 16 \]
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Substitute the distributed expression back into the original:
\[ 4 + (24x - 16) - 7x \]
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Now, combine like terms. Start with the constants:
\[ 4 - 16 = -12 \]
So the expression now looks like:
\[ -12 + 24x - 7x \]
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Next, combine the \( x \) terms:
\[ 24x - 7x = 17x \]
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Now, put it all together:
\[ -12 + 17x \]
Thus, the simplified expression is
\[ \boxed{17x - 12} \]