How do you multiply two brackets with two terms in them? For example (2x-3)(x+4)
We use the FOIL method to do this, where FOIL stands for First, Outside, Inside, Last. So in this example we multiply the first term of the first bracket with the first term of the second bracket (2x-3)(x+4)=2x2 Then we multiply the terms on the outer edge of the brackets, in this example; 2x and +4. (2x-3)(x+4)=2x2+8x Then we multiply the terms on the inner edge of the brackets, in this example; -3 and x. (2x-3)(x+4)=2x^2+8x-3x Finally, we multiply the last term in the first bracket with the last term in the second bracket, in this example; -3 and +4. (2x-3)(x+4)=2x^2+8x-3x-12 This is our final answer! Now we simplify by collecting like terms: 2x^2+5x-12 Note: Always be aware of the sign before the number, noting whether it is a positive or a negative integer.
