Final Answer:
The value of a + b + c is 32.
Step-by-step explanation:
Combine the two expressions like terms:
(-2x^2 + x + 31) + (3x^2 + 7x - 8) = x^2 + 8x + 23
Identify the coefficients:
a = 1, b = 8, and c = 23
Add the coefficients:
a + b + c = 1 + 8 + 23 = 32
Therefore, the value of a + b + c is 32.