Question

multiply the polynomial expression (x+2)(x-4)

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):

\[
(x + 2)(x - 4) = x \cdot x + x \cdot (-4) + 2 \cdot x + 2 \cdot (-4)
\]

Now, let's calculate each term:

1. \(x \cdot x = x^2\)
2. \(x \cdot (-4) = -4x\)
3. \(2 \cdot x = 2x\)
4. \(2 \cdot (-4) = -8\)

Now, combine all the terms:

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

Combine the like terms:

\(-4x + 2x = -2x\)

So, the final result is:

\[
x^2 - 2x - 8
\]

Thus, \((x + 2)(x - 4) = x^2 - 2x - 8\).