\begin{tabular}{l} Which expression is equivalent to \( 3(5 x-4) \) ? \\ A. \( 8 x-4 \) \\ B. \( 8 x-1 \) \\ C. \( 15 x-4 \) \\ D. \( 15 x-12 \) \\ \hline\end{tabular}

To simplify the expression \( 3(5x-4) \), you need to distribute the \( 3 \) to both terms inside the parentheses. This means you multiply \( 3 \) by \( 5x \) and \( 3 \) by \( -4 \). This results in \( 15x - 12 \). So, the correct answer is \( D. \, 15x - 12 \). Now, let's expand on some fun facts! In the world of mathematics, the distributive property is a powerful and fundamental tool that allows us to simplify expressions and solve equations more easily. It's like having a magic wand that helps us combine or simplify different parts of a problem! Additionally, the practice of simplifying expressions is crucial in real-world applications, such as budgeting, where you might distribute costs over multiple categories to find out how much each part contributes. Understanding how to combine and manipulate numbers helps in making better financial decisions!