Polynomial Multiplication Math Example 1

Follow the full solution, then compare it with the other examples linked below.

easy

Multiply

(x + 4)(x + 3)

using FOIL.

1
Step 1: First: $x \cdot x = x^2$ .
2
Step 2: Outer: $x \cdot 3 = 3x$ . Inner: $4 \cdot x = 4x$ . Last: $4 \cdot 3 = 12$ .
3
Step 3: Combine: $x^2 + 3x + 4x + 12 = x^2 + 7x + 12$ .
4
Check: At $x = 1$ : $(5)(4) = 20$ and $1 + 7 + 12 = 20$ ✓

Answer

x^2 + 7x + 12

FOIL (First, Outer, Inner, Last) is a mnemonic for multiplying two binomials. Each term in the first binomial multiplies each term in the second.

About Polynomial Multiplication

Multiplying polynomials by distributing every term in one polynomial to every term in the other, then combining like terms.

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Multiply [formula].

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