What is the FOIL Method?
19+ Surefire Examples!

Now that we know how to multiply a polynomial by a monomial, we are ready to learn how to multiply polynomials of any size.

Multiplying a polynomial by a monomial:

1. Distribute the one-term polynomial into the multi-term polynomial by multiplying coefficients and adding exponents when multiplying like bases.
2. Simplify by combining like terms.

Multiplying Two Binomials:

1. Use the FOIL Method to distribute the one binomial into the other binomial by multiplying coefficients and adding exponents when multiplying like bases.
2. Simplify by combining like terms.

Wait! What’s FOIL stand for?

• First
• Outer
• Inner
• Last

And it’s just a simply mnemonic that helps us to remember how we distribute two binomials!

But what do we do if we have something other than a monomial or two binomials?

Meaning, we need to multiply polynomials of any size.

The FOIL method won’t work for anything other than two binomials because there are more terms than the acronym FOIL allows, as Math is Fun accurately points out.

So, we’re going to take the smaller of the two polynomials and distribute its terms into the larger using all of the same techniques…

• Multiplying coefficients
• Adding exponents when multiplying like bases
• Simplify by combining like terms

After walking through countless examples, you will quickly see how the process of multiplying polynomials, or FOILing, is surprisingly straightforward and fun.

And lastly, we will look at three common Binomial Products, and use our skills of how to find the products of polynomials to solve equations.

The Foil Method (How-To) – Video

Get access to all the courses and over 450 HD videos with your subscription

Monthly and Yearly Plans Available

Get My Subscription Now

Still wondering if CalcWorkshop is right for you?
Take a Tour and find out how a membership can take the struggle out of learning math.