1. The problem asks which expression is equivalent to $5x^2 - 8$. 2. To check equivalence, we simplify each given expression and compare it to $5x^2 - 8$. 3. Simplify each option: - Option 1: $-2x^2 - 3x^2 - 8 + 10 = (-2x^2 - 3x^2) + (-8 + 10) = -5x^2 + 2$ - Option 2: $4x^2 - x^2 - 12 + 4 = (4x^2 - x^2) + (-12 + 4) = 3x^2 - 8$ - Option 3: $3x^2 + 2x^2 - 10 + 2 = (3x^2 + 2x^2) + (-10 + 2) = 5x^2 - 8$ - Option 4: $5(x^2 - 8) = 5x^2 - 40$ 4. Comparing these results to $5x^2 - 8$, only Option 3 matches exactly. 5. Therefore, the expression equivalent to $5x^2 - 8$ is $3x^2 + 2x^2 - 10 + 2$. This is because combining like terms and constants in Option 3 yields the original expression.