FOIL is a mnemonic device used to remember the steps for multiplying two binomials. It stands for First, Outer, Inner, Last, representing the order of terms to be multiplied.
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The 'First' step multiplies the first terms in each binomial.
The 'Outer' step multiplies the outermost terms in the expression.
The 'Inner' step multiplies the innermost terms in the expression.
The 'Last' step multiplies the last terms in each binomial.
Review Questions
What does each letter in FOIL stand for?
How would you use FOIL to multiply $(x+3)(x+2)$?
Which multiplication steps are performed when using FOIL on $(a+b)(c+d)$?
Related terms
Binomial: A polynomial with exactly two terms.
Polynomial: An expression consisting of variables and coefficients, involving addition, subtraction, multiplication, and non-negative integer exponents.
Distributive Property: \(a(b + c) = ab + ac\), a property that allows one to distribute multiplication over addition.