How do you expand (2x-1)(3x+4) using the FOIL method?

First, we must understand what the FOIL method is.

FOIL is an ancronym that we use to help us remember the steps when expanding brackets.

F - first 

O - outer

I - inner 

L- last 

Step 1: Multiply the FIRST terms in each bracket giving:

2x * 3x = 6x2

Step 2: Multiply the OUTER terms in each bracket giving:

2x * 4 = 8x

Step 3: Multiply the INNER terms in each bracket giving:

-1 * 3x = -3x

Step 4: Multiply the LAST terms in each bracket giving:

-1 * 4 = -4 

Step 5: Add all the terms together to give the expanded form of the equation giving:

6x + 8x + (-3x) + (-4) = 6x2 + 8x - 3x - 4

Giving: 

6x + 5x - 4    as your final answer ! 

JL
Answered by James L. Maths tutor

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