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Multiplication of Polynomials: Special Cases

Author: Seth Marx

New Terms

Square of a binomial: the result of a binomial function multiplied by itself: (a + b)2 = (a + b)(a + b) = a2 + 2ab + b2

Binomial: a function with two terms in it

Polynomial: a function with two or more terms in it

FOIL: the acronym used for multiplying binomials... First Outside Inside Last, which means you multiply the FIRST two together, then the OUTSIDE, next the INSIDE, and lastly, the LAST (see the examples below if you need help)

Multiplication Shortcuts

Summary

square of a binomial: (a + b)2 = a2 + 2ab + b2

square of a binomial: (a - b)2 = a2 - 2ab + b2

difference of 2 squares: (x + a)(x - a) = x2 - a2