Question

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:
\[
\boxed{x^2 - 2x - 8}
\]