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. 

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