The FOIL Method

Students learn to multiply two binomials together using the F.O.I.L. method: First, Outer, Inner, Last. For example, to simplify (2x + 3)(x – 5), take the product of the First terms, which is 2x^2, plus the product of the Outer terms, which is –10x, plus the product of the Inner terms, which is +3x, plus the product of the last terms, which is –15. So the problem reads 2x^2 – 10x + 3x – 15. Finally, combine the like terms –10x + 3x, to get –7x, so the final answer is 2x^2 – 7x – 15.