Final answer:
When using generic rectangles to multiply the expression (x + 2)(x - 5), the answer is A) x^2 - 5x + 2x - 10.
Step-by-step explanation:
When using generic rectangles to multiply the expression (x + 2)(x - 5), we can create a rectangle with x as the length and (x + 2) and (x - 5) as the width. This rectangle can then be divided into four sections. The top left section represents x times x, which simplifies to x^2. The top right section represents x times -5, which simplifies to -5x. The bottom left section represents 2 times x, which simplifies to 2x. And the bottom right section represents 2 times -5, which simplifies to -10. Adding all four sections together, we get the answer A) x^2 - 5x + 2x - 10.