Multiplying Binomial × Binomial An important skill in algebra is to multiply a binomial times a binomial. This type of problem will come up often.

Example 1: Multiply the binomials: Use the distributive property, distributing the first binomial.

Distribute again … Combine like terms …

Example 2: Multiply the binomials: Let’s work the same problem again, but use a simpler method, which is to distribute the terms of the first binomial

Combine like terms … This is the same answer we got last time!

Look at the multiplication process again: 1) First terms 2) Outside terms 3) Inside terms 4) Last terms The pattern spells FOIL, which we will use as a memory tool.

Example 3: Use FOIL to multiply the binomials: 1) First terms 2) Outside terms 3) Inside terms 4) Last terms

We want to get good at using FOIL, doing the work quickly in our head.

Example 4: Use FOIL to multiply the binomials: 1) First terms 2) Outside terms 3) Inside terms 4) Last terms