What is the expression 4 + 8 (3x - 2) - 7x when simplified apply the order of operations and commutative and distributive properties

1 answer

To simplify the expression 4 + 8 (3x - 2) - 7x, we will apply the order of operations and then use the distributive and commutative properties.

1. Start by simplifying what is inside the parentheses: 3x - 2.
4 + 8(3x - 2) - 7x
= 4 + 24x - 16 - 7x (distributive property)

2. Next, combine like terms by adding and subtracting the coefficients of the x terms.
= (24x - 7x) + 4 - 16 (commutative property)
= 17x + 4 - 16
= 17x - 12

Therefore, the simplified expression is 17x - 12.