Describe a disadvantage of using the acronym FOIL.

Question

anonymous · Answer

it might detract you from understanding WHY you do first outside inside last

anonymous · Answer

It can only be used on certain equations that have variable/numbers with numbers on the outside of itself

amistre64 · Answer

its rather useless clutter devised as a means of trying to remember how to multiply; but if you cant remember stuff, then trying to remember something to help you remember is rather pointlesss

skullpatrol · Answer

@amistre64 Thus the disadvantage should be that both the one who uses the acronym and the instructor will be immediately struck by lightening?

amistre64 · Answer

the disadvantage is when people get stuck on method, and loose focus on math.  FOIL does not teach a person a mathing skill.  Multiplication does (or more succinctly, distribution).  FOIL is a method to keep track of what you have already multiplied relating to 2 binomials and is not applicable to other polynomials ....