The FOIL Method

In this lesson, we will look into how to use the FOIL method to distribute two binomials

Most Algebra books describe FOIL as a method of multiplying two binomials.

FOIL is the acronym for

First

Outside

Inside

Last

Example:

Multiply the binomials (x + 1)(2x – 3)

Solution:

(x + 1)(2x – 3)

Multiply First : x • 2x = 2 x²
Multiply Outside : x • (–3) = –3x
Multiply Inside : 1 • 2x = 2x
Multiply Last : 1 • (–3) = –3

(x + 1)(2x – 3)
= 2x² – 3x + 2x – 3
= 2x² – x – 3

Videos

The foil method - Professor Edward Burger explains the FOIL method.

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