Algebra Video Tip - Where does the FOIL method of multiplication come from in algebra? (June 2011)
If you have studied Algebra for any length of time, you have used the "FOIL" method of multiplying two binomials together. Many students learn this and memorize it but don't really understand where it comes from. Because of this, when a student hits a problem that is a little harder, they usually don't know where to begin.
This Algebra Video Tip of the Week teaches the student where the FOIL method of multiplication comes from and teaches how to use the basic idea to tackle more complicated problems with confidence!