To simplify the expression $3(4x - 8)$, follow these steps:

1. Distribute the 3 to both terms inside the parentheses: $3 \cdot 4x = 12x \quad \text{and} \quad 3 \cdot (-8) = -24$
2. The simplified expression is: $12x - 24$

So, the correct answer is:

12x - 24

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Would you like more details on the distribution process or have any other questions?

Here are some related questions to expand on this:

1. How do you simplify $5(2x + 3)$?
2. What is the result of distributing a negative number, like $-2(3x - 4)$?
3. Can you apply the distributive property to $4(x + 5) + 3(2x - 1)$?
4. What happens when you distribute a fraction, like $\frac{1}{2}(6x - 8)$?
5. How do you combine like terms after distribution?

Tip: Always distribute the number outside the parentheses to every term inside the parentheses when simplifying expressions.