7.8+Multiplying+Polynomials

Section 7.8 - Multiplying Polynomials
When you multiply polynomials, you are multiplying each term in the first polynomial, by each term in the second polynomial.Then simplify by combining like terms.

Remember how you distributed a term when using the Distributive Property? Same thing, but "distribute" each term in the first polynomial to each term in the second.




 * Multiplying Binomials using the FOIL Method**

The foil method is essentially the same thing, but easier to remember, perhaps, and used very often. It is only used to multiply two binomials. My teacher taught it to me as "the smiley face method."

FOIL stands for First, Outside, Inside, Last, and refers to the order of the terms in the two binomials. You will still need to combine like terms.



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 * Multiplying Polynomials Vertically**

When you multiply regular numbers, you line up the place values (on the right side). By adding a place holder to each line, you keep the place values lined up and can just add the columns up to get the final answer.

You could do the same with multiplying polynomials, just by lining up the like terms in the same columns - like terms have the same variables and exponents. Then combining like terms is just a matter of adding up the columns.




 * Chapter Seven Practice Problems**

**Where to from here?**
7.1 Negative Exponents 7.2 Product Rule 7.3 Power Rule 7.4 Quotient Rule 7.5 Defining Polynomials 7.6 Adding Polynomials 7.7 Subtracting Polynomials 7.8 Multiplying Polynomials 7.9 Dividing Polynomials Chapter Seven Summary Chapter Seven Homework