What is the result of simplifying the expression -2(x +3) - 5(x - 4)?

To simplify the expression -2(x + 3) - 5(x - 4), you start by distributing the coefficients across the terms within the parentheses.

First, distribute -2 to both terms in the first parentheses:

-2(x) gives -2x

-2(3) gives -6

So, -2(x + 3) simplifies to -2x - 6.

Next, do the same for the second part, -5(x - 4):

-5(x) gives -5x

-5(-4) gives +20

Thus, -5(x - 4) simplifies to -5x + 20.

Now, combine the results from both distributions:

-2x - 6 - 5x + 20.

Combine like terms:

-2x and -5x together gives -7x.

-6 and +20 combines to give +14.

Putting it all together, the simplified expression is -7x + 14. This matches the correct choice, confirming that -7x + 14 is indeed the simplified form of the original expression.