1. **State the problem:** Simplify the expression $4x - 14$. 2. **Identify common factors:** Both terms $4x$ and $14$ have a common factor of $2$. 3. **Factor out the common factor:** $$4x - 14 = 2(2x - 7)$$ 4. **Explanation:** Factoring helps to simplify expressions and can be useful for solving equations or further algebraic manipulation. **Final answer:** $$2(2x - 7)$$