1. **State the problem:** Simplify the expression $3(2x + 3) + 14 - 2(4^2)$. 2. **Apply the distributive property:** Multiply $3$ by each term inside the parentheses: $$3(2x + 3) = 3 \times 2x + 3 \times 3 = 6x + 9$$ 3. **Evaluate the exponent:** Calculate $4^2$: $$4^2 = 16$$ 4. **Multiply:** Multiply $-2$ by $16$: $$-2 \times 16 = -32$$ 5. **Rewrite the expression:** Substitute the simplified parts back: $$(6x + 9) + 14 - 32$$ 6. **Combine like terms:** Add $9 + 14 = 23$, then subtract $32$: $$6x + 23 - 32 = 6x - 9$$ **Final answer:** $$6x - 9$$