Question

Multiply the polynomial expression (x + 2) (x − 4).
___x^2 + ___x + ____

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. Next, multiply the outer terms:
\( x \cdot -4 = -4x \)

3. Then, multiply the inner terms:
\( 2 \cdot x = 2x \)

4. Finally, multiply the last terms:
\( 2 \cdot -4 = -8 \)

Now, combine all the results:
\( x^2 - 4x + 2x - 8 \)

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

So the final result is:
\( x^2 - 2x - 8 \)

Filling in the blanks:
___x^2 + ___x + ____
The answer is:
1x^2 + -2x + -8