From: Tom (for Teacher2Teacher Service)
Date: Nov 15, 2000 at 10:51:56
Subject: Re: FOIL Method of multiplying polynomials

>How can I introduce the basic concept of using the Foil Method to teach
>multiplying of polynomials?


Hi Angela,

I usually attach it to distributive property....


(a + b) (c + d)

1) distribute the a through the c and d (ac + ad)
2) next distribute the b through the c and d (bc + bd)
3) add the answers together... (ac + ad + bc + bd)
4) this gives you FOIL....

This is a good method because it will make your discussion about how to
multiply a problem like


(a + b) (c + d + e)
much easier...

1) ac + ad + ae
2) bc + bd + be
3) ac + ad + ae + bc + bd + be



 -Tom, for the T2T service