FOIL Method Calculator
Multiply two binomial expressions instantly. This calculator follows the FOIL mnemonic to show you the First, Outer, Inner, and Last products before simplifying.
What is the FOIL method?
FOIL is a mnemonic for the standard method of multiplying two binomials. It stands for First, Outer, Inner, Last, referring to the order in which you multiply the terms.
How do you use the FOIL method?
For (a + b)(c + d): 1) Multiply the First terms (a×c). 2) Multiply the Outer terms (a×d). 3) Multiply the Inner terms (b×c). 4) Multiply the Last terms (b×d). Then, add all the results together and combine like terms.
Does FOIL work for trinomials?
Technically, FOIL is only for binomials (two terms). For polynomials with more terms, you should use the general distributive property (multiplying every term in the first parenthesis by every term in the second).
What if there is a subtraction sign?
Treat subtraction as adding a negative number. For example, (x - 3) is the same as (x + (-3)). Keep the signs attached to the coefficients during multiplication.