LESSON NOTES MENU
Elementary Algebra
Introduction to Algebra Linear Equations and Inequalities Functions and Graphs I Lines and thier Graphs Linear Systems Exponents & Polynomials
Intermediate Algebra
Factoring Rational Expressions Rational Equations and Applications Radical Expressions Nonlinear Equations and Applications Functions and Graphs II Exponential and Logarithmic Functions
Precalculus I / College Algebra
Equations and Inequalitites Functions and Graphs Polynomial and Rational Functions Exponential and Logarithmic Functions Systems and Matrices Geometry Basics Conic Sections Sequences and Series
Precalculus II / Trigonometry
The Six Trigonometric Functions Right Triangle Trigonometry Circular Functions Graphs of Trigonometric Functions Trigonometric Identities Trigonometric Equations Oblique Triangles and the Laws Vectors Complex, Parametric, and Polar Forms
Calculus I
Limits and Continuity Derivatives Analysis of Curves Antiderivatives
Calculus II
Transcendental Functions
Geometry Physics Integration Techniques Calculus of Infinity Parametric, Polar, and Conic Curves
Calculus III

Course: Elementary Algebra
Topic: Exponents and Polynomials
Subtopic: Polynomial Operations IV - Special Products

Overview

When you multiply two binomials that have similar terms in each then rather than FOIL you can use formulae that are derived from FOIL. These are called special product formulae. Note that you don't have to use them, but many people find them useful. For instance, you could just FOIL (x+y)(x+y) and simplify rather than using the binomial squared formula to expand.

Objectives

By the end of this topic you should know and be prepared to be tested on:

• 6.6.1 Recognize these special forms: binomial squared, perfect square trinomial, difference of two squares
• 6.6.2 Use the special product formulae to multiply binomials when applicable

Terminology

MEMORIZE these special product formulae:

 Binomial Squared: (x+y)^2=x^2+2xy+y^2 (x-y)^2=x^2-2xy+y^2 Difference of Squares: (x+y)(x-y)=x^2-y^2