Multiplying

Polynomials
 Multiplying Polynomials

To multiply monomials and

polynomials, you will use some of the
properties of exponents that you
learned earlier in this chapter.
 Multiplying Polynomials

Another method for multiplying binomials is

called the FOIL method.
F
1. Multiply the First terms. (x + 3)(x + 2) x x =
x2 O
2. Multiply the Outer terms. (x + 3)(x + 2) x 2 =
I 2x
3. Multiply the Inner terms. (x + 3)(x + 2) 3 x =
L 3x
4. Multiply the Last terms. (x + 3)(x + 2) 3 2 = 6

(x + 3)(x + 2) = x2 + 2x + 3x + 6 = x2 + 5x + 6

F O I L
 Multiplying Polynomials

Example 3A: Multiplying Binomials

Multiply.
(s + 4)(s – 2)
(s + 4)(s – 2)
s(s – 2) + 4(s – 2) Distribute s and 4.
s(s) + s(–2) + 4(s) + 4(–2) Distribute s and 4
again.
s2 – 2s + 4s – 8 Multiply.
s2 + 2s – 8 Combine like
terms.
 Multiplying Polynomials
Example 3B: Multiplying Binomials

Multiply.
Write as a product of
(x – 4) 2
two binomials.
(x – 4)(x – 4) Use the FOIL method.

(x  x) + (x  (–4)) + (–4  x) + (–4  (–4))

x2 – 4x – 4x + 8 Multiply.

x2 – 8x + 8 Combine like terms.

 Multiplying Polynomials

Example 3C: Multiplying Binomials

Multiply.
(8m2 – n)(m2 – 3n) Use the FOIL method.

8m2(m2) + 8m2(–3n) – n(m2) – n(–3n)

8m4 – 24m2n – m2n + 3n2 Multiply.

8m4 – 25m2n + 3n2 Combine like

terms.
 Multiplying Polynomials

Helpful Hint
In the expression (x + 5)2, the base is (x + 5).
(x+ 5)2 = (x + 5)(x + 5)
 Multiplying Polynomials

Check It Out! Example 3a

Multiply.
(a + 3)(a – 4)

(a + 3)(a – 4) Distribute a and 3.

a(a – 4)+3(a – 4) Distribute a and 3
again.
a(a) + a(–4) + 3(a) + 3(–4)
a2 – 4a + 3a – 12 Multiply.
a2 – a – 12 Combine like terms.
 Multiplying Polynomials

Check It Out! Example 3b

Multiply.
(x – 3)2 Write as a product
of two binomials.
(x – 3)(x – 3) Use the FOIL method.

(x ● x) + (x(–3)) + (–3  x)+ (–3)(–3)

x2 – 3x – 3x + 9 Multiply.

x2 – 6x + 9 Combine like
terms.
 Multiplying Polynomials

Check It Out! Example 3c

Multiply.
(2a – b2)(a + 4b2)
(2a – b2)(a + 4b2) Use the FOIL method.

2a(a) + 2a(4b2) – b2(a) + (–b2)(4b2)

2a2 + 8ab2 – ab2 – 4b4 Multiply.

2a2 + 7ab2 – 4b4 Combine like

terms.