1. Let's clarify the problem: You are asking why we multiply at the beginning for the expression $(x-2)$. 2. Typically, when you see $(x-2)$ multiplied by something else, it is because of the distributive property in algebra. 3. The distributive property states that for any numbers or expressions $a$, $b$, and $c$, we have $$a(b+c) = ab + ac.$$ 4. So, if you have $(x-2)$ multiplied by another expression, say $y$, you distribute the multiplication: $$y(x-2) = y \cdot x - y \cdot 2.$$ 5. This multiplication is necessary to simplify expressions or solve equations involving $(x-2)$. 6. Multiplying at the beginning ensures each term inside the parentheses is correctly accounted for in the expression. 7. In summary, multiplying $(x-2)$ at the beginning follows the distributive property to correctly expand or simplify algebraic expressions.