Lunes, Abril 17, 2017

FOIL Method is Distributive Law


The FOIL method is not really bad for teaching multiplication of two binomials as long as it is derived from applying the distributive law or more officially known as the Distributive Property (over addition or subtraction).


The FOIL method is a mnemonic for First term, Outer term, Inner Term, Last term. It means multiply the first terms of the factors, then the outer terms, then the inner terms and the last terms. I would suggest the following sequence of examples before the teacher introduces product of two binomials: 
Simplify the following expressions
1.       3(2x-1)
2.      3x(2x-1)
3.      -3x(2x-1)
4.      (x+3)(2x-1)


Play the video for complete description of how to teach this with meaning.







 Remember:
      In multiplying binomials, you can use any of this two (distributive law or FOIL method). We discuss FOIL method to make it simple, but it's up to you whether you use distributive law or FOIL method, it's the same. Just use the method that you are comfortable and confident with.