\#1/16 Multiplying Polynomials \( \begin{array}{l}(x+4)(x+2) \\ x^{2}+8 x+8 \\ x^{2}+6 x+6 \\ \text { none of these is the answer } \\ x^{2}+6 x+8\end{array} \)

When multiplying the polynomials \((x + 4)(x + 2)\), you can use the distributive property, also known as the FOIL method (First, Outer, Inner, Last). This means you'll get: \(x \cdot x + x \cdot 2 + 4 \cdot x + 4 \cdot 2\), which simplifies to \(x^2 + 2x + 4x + 8\), leading to \(x^2 + 6x + 8\). Voila! This method of multiplying polynomials isn't just a math class staple; it has real-world applications too! For instance, when calculating areas, such as finding the area of a rectangular plot where one side's length could change (represented as a polynomial), you would multiply the two binomials that represent the varying lengths. Understanding this concept is like having a secret weapon in algebraic problem-solving!