Let's simplify the given expression:

$(2x^3 - 4x^2 + 6x - 8) + (-x^3 + 5x^2 - 3x + 1)$

To do this, we combine like terms:

1. Combine the $x^3$ terms: $2x^3 + (-x^3) = x^3$

2. Combine the $x^2$ terms: $-4x^2 + 5x^2 = x^2$

3. Combine the $x$ terms: $6x + (-3x) = 3x$

4. Combine the constant terms: $-8 + 1 = -7$

Thus, the simplified expression is:

$x^3 + x^2 + 3x - 7$

Now, let's check which option matches this expression. The correct answer is:

A) $x^3 + x^2 + 3x - 7$

Would you like further details or explanations?

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Here are some related questions for further practice:

1. How would you simplify the expression $(3x^3 - 2x^2 + x - 4) + (x^3 + 4x^2 - 3x + 2)$?
2. What is the result of subtracting $(2x^3 + 3x^2 - 5x + 6)$ from $(4x^3 - x^2 + 7x - 1)$?
3. How do you expand and simplify $(x - 2)(2x^2 + 3x - 1)$?
4. What is the general approach to combining polynomials of different degrees?
5. If the expression was $(5x^3 - 4x + 2) + (-3x^3 + x^2 - 6x)$, what would the simplified form be?

Tip: When adding or subtracting polynomials, ensure each term is aligned with its like term (same degree) to avoid errors.