Question

Multiply the polynomial expression (x + 2)(x - 4) (2 points )

Answer 1

To multiply the polynomial expression \((x + 2)(x - 4)\), we 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:
\[
x^2 + (-4x) + 2x - 8
\]

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

Thus, the product of \((x + 2)(x - 4)\) is:
\[
\boxed{x^2 - 2x - 8}
\]