1. **State the problem:** We need to evaluate the expression $$8p + 3q - 18$$ when $$p = \frac{1}{2}$$ and $$q = 7$$. 2. **Write the expression:** $$8p + 3q - 18$$. 3. **Substitute the values:** Replace $$p$$ with $$\frac{1}{2}$$ and $$q$$ with $$7$$: $$8 \times \frac{1}{2} + 3 \times 7 - 18$$. 4. **Calculate each term:** - $$8 \times \frac{1}{2} = 4$$ - $$3 \times 7 = 21$$ 5. **Simplify the expression:** $$4 + 21 - 18$$ 6. **Perform addition and subtraction:** $$4 + 21 = 25$$ $$25 - 18 = 7$$ **Final answer:** $$7$$