To simplify the expression \( 4 + 8(3x - 2) - 7x \), we will follow the order of operations:
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Parentheses: Start by distributing the \( 8 \) into the parentheses: \[ 8(3x - 2) = 8 \cdot 3x - 8 \cdot 2 = 24x - 16 \]
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Substitute back into the expression: \[ 4 + (24x - 16) - 7x \]
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Combine like terms: First, combine the constant terms \( 4 \) and \( -16 \): \[ 4 - 16 = -12 \] Now combine the \( 24x \) and \( -7x \): \[ 24x - 7x = 17x \]
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Put it all together: \[ 17x - 12 \]
Thus, the simplified expression is: \[ \boxed{17x - 12} \]