Given the functions f (x) = - 4x - 1 and g (x) = 2x + 4, which operation results in the smallest coefficient on the x term?

Addition

Subtraction

Multiplication

Two operations result in the same coefficient

Perform the operation in the choices to determine the coefficients of the terms.

(Addition) - 4x - 1 + 2x + 4 = - 2x + 3

(Subtraction) - 4x - 1 - (2x + 4) = - 6x - 5

(Multiplication) (-4x - 1) (2x + 4) = - 8x² - 18x - 4

Thus, the answer is multiplication as it gives a numerical coefficient equal to - 18.