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

.(2 points)
x2+
x+

1 answer

To multiply the polynomial expressions (x + 2) and (x − 4), we can use the distributive property (also known as the FOIL method for binomials, which stands for First, Outer, Inner, Last):

(x + 2)(x − 4)

By multiplying each term in the first polynomial by each term in the second polynomial, we get:

First: x * x = x^2
Outer: x * (-4) = -4x
Inner: 2 * x = 2x
Last: 2 * (-4) = -8

Now, combine these results to get the final polynomial:

x^2 + (-4x) + 2x - 8

Combine like terms (-4x + 2x):

x^2 - 2x - 8

So, the product of (x + 2)(x − 4) is:

x^2 - 2x - 8