1. Multiplying Binomials
12.4
LESSON
Multiplying Binomials
Investigate
Find the product (3x + 1)(x + 4) using algebra tiles. 1
Represent each binomial using algebra tiles. Arrange the first binomial vertically and the second binomial horizontally, as shown.

2. Multiplying Binomials
12.4
LESSON
Multiplying Binomials
Investigate
Find the product (3x + 1)(x + 4) using algebra tiles. 2
The binomials define a rectangular region with length (3x + 1) units and width (x + 4) units. Fill in the region with the appropriate tiles.

3. Multiplying Binomials
12.4
LESSON
Multiplying Binomials
Investigate
Find the product (3x + 1)(x + 4) using algebra tiles. 3
The tiles covering the rectangular region represent 3x x + 4. This expression is the product of the binomials.

4. Multiplying Binomials
12.4
LESSON
Multiplying Binomials
Investigate
Find the product (3x + 1)(x + 4) using algebra tiles.
You can also use a table to multiply two binomials. The model and table below show the product (3x + 1)(x + 4).
From the table, you can see that (3x + 1)(x + 4) is 3x x + x + 4, or 3x x + 4.
Terms of the first binomial x 4
Terms of the second binomial 3x 1
3x 2
12x x 4
Multiply terms to fill in the table. For example, 1 • x = x.

5. Multiplying Binomials
12.4
LESSON
Multiplying Binomials
EXAMPLE 1
Multiplying Binomials Using a Table
Find the product (–2x + 5)(3x – 1).
Write any subtractions in the binomial as additions.
(–2x + 5)(3x – 1) = (–2x + 5)[3x + (–1)]
First binomial 3x –1
Second binomial
–2x 5
–6x 2 2x
15x –5
The product is –6x 2 + 2x + 15x – 5, or –6x x – 5.

6. Multiplying Binomials
12.4
LESSON
Multiplying Binomials
Distributive Property Another way to multiply binomials is to use the distributive property.

7. Multiplying Binomials
12.4
LESSON
Multiplying Binomials
EXAMPLE 2
Using the Distributive Property
Photograph You are enlarging a photo that is 7 inches long and 5 inches wide. The length and width of the enlargement are x times the length and width of the original photo. The enlargement will have a 2 inch mat. Write a polynomial expression for the combined area of the enlargement and mat.
The total length of the enlargement and mat is (7x + 4) inches. The total width is (5x + 4) inches. To find the area, multiply.
SOLUTION
(7x + 4)(5x + 4) =
7x(5x + 4) + 4(5x + 4)
Distribute 5x + 4.
= 35x x + 20x + 16
Distribute 7x and 4.
= 35x x + 16
Combine like terms.
ANSWER
The area is (35x x + 16) square inches.

8. Multiplying Binomials
12.4
LESSON
Multiplying Binomials
FOIL Method Notice that using the distributive property to multiply binomials produces four products that are then added. These four products are the products of the first terms, the outer terms, the inner terms, and the last terms of the binomials. You can use the shorthand FOIL to remind you of the words First, Outer, Inner, and Last.
12x 2
First
+ 2x
Outer
+ 30x
Inner
+ 5
Last
(2x + 5)(6x + 1) =

9. Multiplying Binomials
12.4
LESSON
Multiplying Binomials
EXAMPLE 3
Using the FOIL Method
Find the product (4x + 3)(5x – 2).
First Outer Inner Last
(4x)(5x)
+ (4x)(–2)
+ (3)(5x)
+ (3)(–2)
Write products of terms.
20x 2
+ (–8x)
+ 15x
+ (–6)
Multiply.
20x 2 + 7x – 6
Combine like terms.