To simplify the expression \( 4(1 - 3x) + 7x - 8 \), follow these steps:
1. Expand the expression inside the parentheses:
[tex]\[
4(1 - 3x) = 4 \cdot 1 + 4 \cdot (-3x) = 4 - 12x
\][/tex]
2. Substitute this back into the original expression:
[tex]\[
4 - 12x + 7x - 8
\][/tex]
3. Combine like terms:
- Combine the constant terms:
[tex]\[
4 - 8 = -4
\][/tex]
- Combine the \( x \)-terms:
[tex]\[
-12x + 7x = -5x
\][/tex]
4. Write the simplified expression:
[tex]\[
-5x - 4
\][/tex]
Therefore, the simplified expression is
\(
-5x - 4
\).
