What is the correct order of operations for simplifying the expression 2 – 3x + 5 + 7(y – 5x)2 + x?

Follow the order of operations: handle the exponent before multiplication and addition. The 2 after the parentheses means to square the binomial (y − 5x) first; next distribute the 7 multiplying that squared expression, then combine any like terms in the whole expression. So the correct order is “square the binomial, distribute 7 inside the parentheses, and then combine like terms.”

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