Final Answer:
c. 1 The process of simplifying the expression involves distributing the coefficients across the terms in the parentheses and combining like terms to reach the final result of 1.
Explanation:
To simplify the expression 3(x + 4) - 2(-4 + ___), start by distributing 3 across the terms inside the parentheses, resulting in 3x + 12. Then, distribute -2 across the expression -4 + ___, which gives +8 - 2(___). The missing term in the parentheses is 4, so the expression becomes 3x + 12 + 8 - 2(4). Finally, combine like terms and solve, which yields 3x + 20 - 8, resulting in 3x + 12. Since there's no x term left, the simplified expression is 12, or simply 1 when considering the coefficients.
The process of simplifying the expression involves distributing the coefficients across the terms in the parentheses and combining like terms to reach the final result of 1. This method breaks down the expression step by step to arrive at the simplified form, demonstrating the order of operations and careful consideration of each term within the expression.