Multiplying the polynomial expression (x + 2)(x-4)

Answer 1

To multiply the polynomial expressions $(x+2)(x-4)$, you can use the distributive property (also known as the FOIL method for binomials).

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 together:
$$x^2-4x+2x-8$$

Combine the like terms ($-4x+2x$):
$$x^2-2x-8$$

So, the product of $(x+2)(x-4)$ is: $$\boxed{{\displaystyle x^2-2x-8}}$$