What is the expression 4+8(3x−2)−7x when simplified? Apply the order of operations and the commutative and distributive properties. Show all your work. (In kids words please)

Answer 1

To simplify the expression 4 + 8(3x - 2) - 7x, we follow the order of operations which tells us to solve the parts inside parentheses first.

First, we simplify the expression inside the parentheses:
3x - 2

Next, we multiply 8 with the simplified expression:
8 * (3x - 2) = 24x - 16

So now our expression becomes:
4 + 24x - 16 - 7x

Next, we use the commutative property to rearrange the terms so that we can add and subtract them easily:
4 - 16 + 24x - 7x

Then, we combine like terms, which means we add or subtract terms with the same variable and exponent:
(-16 + 4) + (24x - 7x)

-16 + 4 = -12 (Two negatives make a positive)
24x - 7x = 17x

Now our expression is simplified to:
-12 + 17x

Therefore, the simplified expression is -12 + 17x.

Answer 2

Can you make it shorter

Answer 3

Certainly! The expression 4 + 8(3x - 2) - 7x simplifies to -12 + 17x.