SOLUTION: What does the acronym FOIL stand for and when do you use it in Algebra?

Algebra ->  Distributive-associative-commutative-properties -> SOLUTION: What does the acronym FOIL stand for and when do you use it in Algebra?      Log On


   

Question 221015: What does the acronym FOIL stand for and when do you use it in Algebra?
Answer by likaaka(51) About Me  (Show Source):
You can put this solution on YOUR website!
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