Question

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

Answer 1

To multiply the polynomial expressions \((x + 2)(x - 4)\), you 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 the results:
\[
x^2 - 4x + 2x - 8
\]

Combine like terms:
\[
x^2 - 2x - 8
\]

So, the result of multiplying \((x + 2)(x - 4)\) is
\[
\boxed{x^2 - 2x - 8}
\]