Multiplying Polynomials

This PowerPoint will show you two methods that will multiply

polynomials

Brandon Young

What are Polynomials?

• A polynomial is made up of terms that are only added, subtracted, or multiplied.

• It can have constants, variables, and exponents.

• Polynomials can have many terms.

Multiply. (2x + 3)(5x + 8)

Using the Distributive property, multiply

2x(5x + 8) + 3(5x + 8).

10x2 + 16x + 15x + 24

Combine like terms.

10x2 + 31x + 24

Another option is called the FOIL method.

FOIL

First terms

Outer terms

Inner terms

Last terms

Foil Method

• The FOIL method can be used when you multiply 2 binomials. It tells you which terms to multiply.

• Use the FOIL method to multiply these binomials:(y + 3)(y + 7).

(y + 3)(y + 7). F tells you to multiply the FIRST terms of each binomial.

y2

(y + 3)(y + 7). O tells you to multiply the OUTER terms of each binomial.

y2 + 7y

(y + 3)(y + 7). I tells you to multiply the INNER terms of each binomial.

y2 + 7y + 3y

Monomial times a Binomial

• x(x+4)

• Multiply each term in the parentheses by x

• = x2+4x

• The problem was completed using the distributive property.

Monomial times a Trinomial

• 2x(x2+3x+4)

• Multiply the Monomial: 2x by the Trinomial: x2+3x+4

• =2x3+6x2+8x

(y + 3)(y + 7). L tells you to multiply the LAST terms of each binomial.

y2 + 7y + 3y + 21Combine like terms.y2 + 10y + 21 is your Final Answer.

Sources

• http://www.mathsisfun.com/algebra/polynomials.html-

http://www.wyzant.com/Help/Math/Algebra/FOIL.aspx

http://www.regentsprep.org/regents/math/algebra/AV3/multMon.htm