To simplify the expression 2(x + 4) – 3(x – 2), we can apply the distributive property and then combine like terms.

First, let’s distribute the 2 and the 3:

2(x + 4) = 2x + 8

3(x – 2) = 3x – 6

Now we can substitute these expressions back into the original equation:

2(x + 4) – 3(x – 2) = (2x + 8) – (3x – 6)

Next, distribute the negative sign to the terms inside the parentheses:

= 2x + 8 – 3x + 6

Finally, combine like terms:

= (2x – 3x) + (8 + 6)

= -x + 14

Therefore, the simplified expression is -x + 14.