Multiplying Two Binomials Using the FOIL Method
If we wish to multiply two binomials we could use the vertical method of multiplying or we can
use what is known as the FOIL method. The FOIL method is useful because we use it as a basis
for factoring.
FOIL Method
EXAMPLE:
()(
51xx+โ
)
0
This is the binomial 5
x
+ times the binomial 10x
โ
.
The โFโ of FOIL stands for multiplying the First terms of the 2 binomials.
()
(
51xx+โ
F
()()
2
x
xx=
The โOโ of FOIL stands for multiplying the Outside terms of the 2 binomials.
()
(
51xx+โ
O
()( )
10 10
x
xโ=โ
The โIโ of FOIL stands for multiplying the Inside terms of the 2 binomials.
()
(
51xx+โ
I
()()
55
x
x=
The โLโ of FOIL stands for multiplying the Last terms of the 2 binomials.
()
(
51xx+โ
L
()
( )
510 5โ=โ
)
0
)
0
)
0
)
0
0
This instructional aid was prepared by the Tallahassee Community College Learning Commons.
