To simplify the expression \( 4 + 8(3x - 2) - 7x \), we will apply the order of operations, and use the distributive property.
Here are the steps:
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Distribute the 8 across the terms in the parentheses: \[ 8(3x - 2) = 8 \cdot 3x - 8 \cdot 2 = 24x - 16 \]
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Substitute this back into the expression: \[ 4 + (24x - 16) - 7x \]
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Combine like terms. First, rearrange the expression: \[ 4 - 16 + 24x - 7x \]
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Combine the constants and the \(x\) terms:
- For the constants: \( 4 - 16 = -12 \)
- For the \(x\) terms: \( 24x - 7x = 17x \)
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Put it all together: \[ -12 + 17x \]
Therefore, the simplified expression is: \[ 17x - 12 \]