Let's solve the expression step by step:

Expression:
$-(-8.5w - 4x) - 7$

Step 1: Distribute the negative sign.

When you distribute a negative sign over a parenthesis, you change the sign of each term inside:

$-(-8.5w - 4x) = 8.5w + 4x$

Step 2: Rewrite the expression after distribution:

$8.5w + 4x - 7$

This is the simplified form of the expression.

Would you like more details or have any questions?

Here are 5 related questions to explore:

1. How do you distribute negative signs in more complex expressions?
2. Can you factor an expression like $8.5w + 4x - 7$?
3. What is the effect of distributing a constant over parentheses?
4. How can you solve for $w$ or $x$ in such expressions if they are part of an equation?
5. How does changing coefficients affect the graph of a linear equation?

Tip: Always distribute negative signs carefully; it's easy to miss a sign change!