To simplify the expression \( 4 + 8(3x - 2) - 7x \), we will follow the order of operations and apply the distributive property. Here are the steps:
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Distribute \(8\) through the parentheses: \[ 8(3x - 2) = 8 \cdot 3x - 8 \cdot 2 = 24x - 16 \] Now, replace \(8(3x - 2)\) in the original expression: \[ 4 + (24x - 16) - 7x \]
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Combine like terms:
- First, we can simplify the constant terms \(4\) and \(-16\): \[ 4 - 16 = -12 \]
- Next, combine the \(x\) terms \(24x\) and \(-7x\): \[ 24x - 7x = 17x \]
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Put it all together: Now we rewrite the expression: \[ -12 + 17x \] To keep it in a conventional order (typically showing the \(x\) term first), we can rearrange it: \[ 17x - 12 \]
So, the simplified expression is: \[ \boxed{17x - 12} \]