Question

Multiply the polynomial expression  (x+2)(x−4)
.(2 points)
x2+
x+

Answer 1

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

Here's how it works step by step:

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:
\[
x^2 - 4x + 2x - 8
\]

Combine like terms:
\[
x^2 + (-4x + 2x) - 8 = x^2 - 2x - 8
\]

So the final result is:
\[
x^2 - 2x - 8
\]

Thus, to complete your expression, it should be:
\(x^2 - 2x - 8\)