Question

how to multiply the polynomials of (x+2)(x-4)

Answer 1

To multiply the polynomials \((x + 2)(x - 4)\), you can use the distributive property, also known as the FOIL method (First, Outer, Inner, Last). Here’s how to do it step by step:

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

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 of each binomial.
\[
2 \cdot (-4) = -8
\]

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

Combine the like terms \(-4x\) and \(2x\):
\[
x^2 - 2x - 8
\]

So, the product of the polynomials \((x + 2)(x - 4)\) is:
\[
x^2 - 2x - 8
\]