Expanding — FOIL

Simplify algebraic expressions, expand binomial products and factorise monic quadratic expressions.

First, Outer, Inner, Last. Work in the same order every time and nothing gets missed.

Worked example

1. Multiply the First term of each bracket$3x^{2}$
2. Multiply the Outer terms$3x^{2} - 4x$
3. Multiply the Inner terms$3x^{2} - 4x + 6x$
4. Multiply the Last term of each bracket$3x^{2} - 4x + 6x - 8$
5. Group like terms$3x^{2} + 2x - 8$

Practice