For algebraic method, simply distribute the first term of the first term of the first binomial to

each term of the other binomial to each of the binomial applying the same property and simplify the
results by combining similar terms.

This procedure is known as FOIL method or distribution method.

First- (a) (c) = ac

(a+b) Outer- (a) (d) = ad =ac+ad+bc+bd

Inner-(a) (b) = bc

Last-(b)(d)= bd

Note: combine terms which are similar

The same concept is applied in getting the product of the sum and difference of two terms.
However, there is a shorter way in finding this product which delivered from the foil or distribution
method.

Learn this:

F- (a)(a)=a2

(a+b) (a-b) O- (a) (-b) =ab2

I – (b) (a)=ab =a2-ad+ab-b2

L- (b)(-b)= -b2

Note: Adding a term with its inverse become zero.

Thus, the product of the sum and difference of two terms is the difference of squares and is
represented by the formula:

(a+b) (a-b)= a2-b2