To multiply the polynomial expressions \((x + 2)(x - 4)\), you can use the distributive property (also known as the FOIL method for binomials).
-
First: Multiply the first terms:
\(x \cdot x = x^2\) -
Outer: Multiply the outer terms:
\(x \cdot (-4) = -4x\) -
Inner: Multiply the inner terms:
\(2 \cdot x = 2x\) -
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
\[
\boxed{x^2 - 2x - 8}
\]