Multiplying Binomials by the FOIL Method
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FOIL Method
A method for multiplying binomials.  FOIL is an acronym standing for First Outer Inner and Last.  These refer to terms in the two binomials being multiplied.  We multiply the first terms in each polynomial, then the outer terms, then the inner terms and then the lat terms.  We simplify by adding terms and list terms in descending order,highest exponent first.

· Foil method

· Algebra problem

· Binomial

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Multiplying Binomials By The FOIL Method

Definitions:
Binomial:  a mathematical expression.  In algebra, binomials have at least one variable and they contain two terms two terms connected by a + or - sign.
Examples:  

2+x2
5-k
8r5

Term: a mathematical statement without a + or - sign.  Terms may contain a variable or they may consist only of a constant.
Examples:

42s
76
a5b3c7

FOIL method: A method for multiplying binomials by multiplying the First Terms in each binomial, then the Outer Terms, then the Inner Terms, then the Last Terms and simplifying the resulting answers.

Multiply by the FOIL method:

(r+7)(r3-3)

Multiply the first terms:
r times r3=                               r4
Multiply the outer terms:
r times -3=                              -3r
Multiply the inner terms:
7 times r3=                              7r3
Multiply the last terms:
7 times -3=                             -21
Add the terms and simplify if like terms exist:


r4+7r3+7r-21

Note that the terms are listed in descending order, with the highest power listed first.




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