Algebra 1 · Polynomials & Exponents
FOIL Method
Algebra 1 · Polynomials & Exponents
Definition
The FOIL method multiplies two binomials by combining the First, Outer, Inner, and Last terms.
Examples
- (x + 2)(x + 3) = x2 + 5x + 6.
- (x − 1)(x + 4) = x2 + 3x − 4.
Key rule
Multiply First, Outer, Inner, Last, then combine like terms.
Memory hook
FOIL: First, Outer, Inner, Last.