1. The problem is to simplify the expression $$-k - (-8k + 7)$$ and find an equivalent expression. 2. The key rule here is to distribute the negative sign across the parentheses. When you have a minus sign before parentheses, it changes the signs of each term inside. 3. Start by rewriting the expression: $$-k - (-8k + 7) = -k + 8k - 7$$ 4. Combine like terms: $$-k + 8k = 7k$$ 5. So the expression simplifies to: $$7k - 7$$ 6. Therefore, the equivalent expression is $$7k - 7$$, which corresponds to answer A.