To simplify the expression \( 5(3x + 4) - 7x - 3 \), we will first use the Distributive Property and then combine like terms.
-
Distribute \( 5 \) into the parentheses: \[ 5(3x) + 5(4) = 15x + 20 \]
So, the expression becomes: \[ 15x + 20 - 7x - 3 \]
-
Now combine like terms. First, combine the \( x \) terms: \[ 15x - 7x = 8x \]
-
Then, combine the constant terms: \[ 20 - 3 = 17 \]
Putting it all together, we have: \[ 8x + 17 \]
So the simplified expression is: \[ \boxed{8x + 17} \]
1 answer