Example

Multiplying (x7)(x+5)(x - 7)(x + 5) Using the FOIL Method

Multiply (x7)(x+5)(x - 7)(x + 5) using the FOIL method.

Step 1 — First: Multiply the first terms: xx=x2x \cdot x = x^2.

Step 2 — Outer: Multiply the outermost terms: x5=5xx \cdot 5 = 5x.

Step 3 — Inner: Multiply the innermost terms: (7)x=7x(-7) \cdot x = -7x.

Step 4 — Last: Multiply the last terms: (7)5=35(-7) \cdot 5 = -35.

Writing all four products in order gives: x2+5x7x35x^2 + 5x - 7x - 35

Step 5 — Combine like terms: The Outer and Inner products 5x5x and 7x-7x are like terms: 5x+(7x)=2x5x + (-7x) = -2x.

The simplified result is x22x35x^2 - 2x - 35.

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Updated 2026-04-29

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