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Simplification of algebraic expressions is the process of making them as straightforward as possible. To simplify, we combine like terms and perform basic arithmetic operations. After applying the distributive property, as shown in the exercise, we're left with an expression that has both a variable term, 10x, and a constant term, 8. Here's how to proceed with simplification after distribution:

Notice that '8' and '-3' are like terms because they're both constants. While they don’t have the same value, we can combine them through subtraction:

• 8 minus 3 equals 5

This leads to the simplified expression:

Simplification involves combining terms wherever possible and carrying out the arithmetic to reduce expressions to their simplest form. Recognizing like terms is a key component of this process.

Basic algebra introduces the concepts and operations necessary for understanding more advanced topics in mathematics. It’s built on the foundational idea that letters, known as variables, can represent numbers. When we work with an equation or an expression, such as in our exercise, we're using basic algebraic techniques to manipulate these variables and constants.
At this level of algebra, you need to be proficient in operations such as the distributive property, combining like terms, adding, subtracting, multiplying, and dividing both constants and variables. The steps shown in the exercise:

involve using these basic algebra skills to reach a simplified expression. The goal of basic algebra is not just calculating a result, but also understanding the relationships between variables and how changes to one part of an expression affect the whole. It’s a critical stepping stone to higher-level math and everyday problem solving.