Question

Multiply the polynomial
expression .
(2 points)
(x + 2)(x − 4)

Answer 1

To multiply the polynomial expressions \((x + 2)(x - 4)\), we can use the distributive property (also known as the FOIL method for binomials). Here’s how it works:

1. **First**: Multiply the first terms:
\[
x \cdot x = x^2
\]

2. **Outer**: Multiply the outer terms:
\[
x \cdot (-4) = -4x
\]

3. **Inner**: Multiply the inner terms:
\[
2 \cdot x = 2x
\]

4. **Last**: Multiply the last terms:
\[
2 \cdot (-4) = -8
\]

Now, combine all these results:
\[
x^2 - 4x + 2x - 8
\]

Now, combine like terms:
\[
x^2 - 2x - 8
\]

Thus, the result of multiplying the polynomial expressions \((x + 2)(x - 4)\) is:
\[
\boxed{x^2 - 2x - 8}
\]