Question

What does F.O.I.L. stand for when multiplying binomials?

Answer 1

first outter inner last??

Answer 2

My recommendation: Don't find out. Forget you ever heard it. Just learn how to multiply.

Answer 3

FOIL stands for
First
Outer
Inner
Last
Its used in multiplying polynomials, but specifically it references multiplying two two-term polynomials ie. (x+3)(x+2)
To FOIL, we multiply the first terms in both polynomials, the x's


x*x
then the outer meaning the first x and the 2
x*2
then the inner meaning the 3 and the second x
3*x
then the lasts meaning the 3 and the 2
3*2
So, x^2+2x+3x+6 now combine like terms
x^2+5x+6

Answer 4

Just use the distributive property.

Answer 5

I agree with @tkhunny and @wio. FOIL is only useful for multiplying binomials, but you need to know how to multiply anything.

Answer 6

Take the first term of the thing on the left. Multiply it against everything on the right. Repeat with all the remaining terms of the thing on the left. Add up the pieces.

Answer 7

Ohh ok. Thanks.