To simplify the expression \((-8 - a)(b + 2)\), you can use the distributive property (also known as the FOIL method for binomials).
Distribute \(-8\) across \((b + 2)\): \[ -8b - 16 \]
Distribute \(-a\) across \((b + 2)\): \[ -ab - 2a \]
Now, combine these results:
\[ -8b - 16 - ab - 2a \]
So, the expression \((-8 - a)(b + 2)\) simplifies to:
\[ -ab - 8b - 2a - 16 \]
You can rearrange this into a more standard form if desired:
\[ -ab - 2a - 8b - 16 \]
This is the fully simplified expression.