To multiply the polynomial expressions \((x + 2)(x - 4)\), you can use the distributive property (also known as the FOIL method for binomials). Here's how it works step-by-step:
-
First: Multiply the first terms:
\(x \cdot x = x^2\) -
Outer: Multiply the outer terms:
\(x \cdot (-4) = -4x\) -
Inner: Multiply the inner terms:
\(2 \cdot x = 2x\) -
Last: Multiply the last terms:
\(2 \cdot (-4) = -8\)
Now, combine all these results:
\[ x^2 - 4x + 2x - 8 \]
Combine like terms:
\[ x^2 - 2x - 8 \]
So, the product of the polynomial expression \((x + 2)(x - 4)\) is:
\[ \boxed{x^2 - 2x - 8} \]