Comparison of Linear Expressions

Let $$a$$ and $$b$$ be real numbers defined by the following equations:

$$a = 5(x - 1) + 3$$

$$b = 2(x + 4) - 4$$

Determine the relationship between Quantity A: $$a$$ and Quantity B: $$b$$, by finding the values of $$a$$ and $$b$$ in terms of $$x$$ and analyzing their relationship.