Let's simplify the expression \(3(a - 2b) - 2a + b\) step by step.
-
Distribute the 3 in the first term: \[ 3(a - 2b) = 3a - 6b \]
-
Now, substitute this back into the expression: \[ 3a - 6b - 2a + b \]
-
Combine like terms (combine \(3a\) and \(-2a\), and \(-6b\) and \(b\)): \[ (3a - 2a) + (-6b + b) = a - 5b \]
Thus, the simplified expression is \(a - 5b\).
So the equivalent expression to \(3(a - 2b) - 2a + b\) is: \[ \boxed{a - 5b} \]