1. **State the problem:** Calculate the work done by a 47 N force pushing a pencil 0.25 m against a force of 23 N. 2. **Understanding work done:** Work done $W$ by a force is given by the formula: $$W = F_{net} \times d$$ where $F_{net}$ is the net force in the direction of displacement and $d$ is the displacement. 3. **Calculate net force:** The net force pushing the pencil is the applied force minus the opposing force: $$F_{net} = 47 - 23 = 24\ \text{N}$$ 4. **Calculate work done:** Substitute the values: $$W = 24 \times 0.25 = 6\ \text{J}$$ 5. **Answer:** The work done by the 47 N force is $6$ joules.