To simplify the expression \(3(a - 4b) - 2a + b\), we will follow these steps:
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Distribute \(3\) into \( (a - 4b) \): \[ 3(a - 4b) = 3a - 12b \]
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Now substitute back into the expression: \[ 3a - 12b - 2a + b \]
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Combine like terms:
- For the \(a\) terms: \(3a - 2a = 1a = a\)
- For the \(b\) terms: \(-12b + b = -11b\)
So, the expression simplifies to: \[ a - 11b \]
Thus, the equivalent expression is \(\boxed{a - 11b}\).