FOIL

Alright. We are in the beginning phases of Algebra...we covered the Distributive Property, Combining Like Terms...now we are on to...yes, that's right, FOIL!

Many of you have heard of this acronym, but what does it stand for?

First.
Outside.
Inside.
Last.

FOIL is used when we work with two binomials. It's hard to keep track of which terms to multiply, so we use this simple method called, FOIL, to help us out.

Check out this video:

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See? FOILing isn't too bad, right?

Let's try it again:

(x + 3)(x - 2)

F: x times x = x ^ 2
O: x times -2 = -2x
I: 3 times x = 3x
L: 3 times - 2 = -6

So, you are left with x^2 - 2x + 3x - 6.
Combine like terms: -2x + 3x = x
Final answer: x^2 + x - 6

Please take 5 minutes to think about these questions and answer thoughtfully under comment. Don't forget to submit your first name and last initial, along with the period that you have math:

1) What do you think about FOILing? What's easy about it? What's difficult?

2) Did this video help you understand the concept better?

3) What more would you like to see from this site?

Thanks for checking in!