The length and width of a rectangle is (x-2) and (4-y) respectively. express the area, a, of the rectangle in terms of x and y.

4x + 2y - xy - 8

Step-by-step explanation:

The area (A) of a rectangle is calculated as

A = length × width , that is

A = (x - 2)(4 - y)

Each of the terms in the second factor is multiplied by each of the terms in the first factor, that is

x(4 - y) - 2(4 - y) ← distribute both parenthesis

= 4x - xy - 8 + 2y, thus

A = 4x + 2y - xy - 8