To foil or not to foil

  • Thread starter thomas576
  • Start date
In summary, when expanding the expression (5t-1)(25t^2+5t+1), it is incorrect to just distribute 5t-1 across the second part as (125t^3-1 + 25t^2-1 + 5t). The correct way to expand it is to multiply each term in the first factor (5t-1) by each term in the second factor (25t^2+5t+1), resulting in 125t^3 - 25t^2 + 25t^2 - 5t + 5t - 1, which simplifies to 125t^3 - 1. This can also be done using
  • #1
thomas576
20
1
(5t-1)(25t^2+5t+1)
i just distributed 5t-1 thought the 2nd part and got?

this right way to do it?



125t^3-1 + 25t^2-1 + 5t
 
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  • #2
No; it is totally wrong.
Do you understand what you are supposed to be doing?

If a,b,c are numbers, then we have the rule:
a*(b+c)=a*b+a*c
Does this rule seem weird to you?
Or can you think of examples in the real world where you use multiplication and where that rule ought naturally to hold?
 
  • #3
You can't just do that. Let's examine it a more efficient way than you might have learned. We want to expand

[tex](5t-1)(25t^2+5t+1).[/tex]

Examine the coefficients of each power of [itex]t[/itex] when you multiply it out: to get [itex]t^3[/itex], we have to multiply [itex]t^2[/itex] with [itex]t[/itex]. The only way we can do that is [itex](5t)(25t^2)[/itex], so the coefficient of [itex]t^3[/itex] is [itex]5(25)=125[/itex]. Now consider the coefficient on [itex]t^2[/itex]. To get [itex]t^2[/itex], we either have to multiply [itex]t^2[/itex] with a constant, or [itex]t[/itex] by itself. The only ways we can do that here are [itex]25t^2(-1)[/itex] and [itex](5t)(5t)[/itex], so the coefficient on [itex]t^2[/itex] is [itex]25(-1)+(5)(5)=0[/itex].

Using a similar process for the coefficients of [itex]t[/itex] and [itex]t^0[/itex], you find that the expansion is just

[tex]125t^3 - 1.[/tex]
 
Last edited:
  • #4
thomas576 said:
(5t-1)(25t^2+5t+1)
i just distributed 5t-1 thought the 2nd part and got?

this right way to do it?



125t^3-1 + 25t^2-1 + 5t
No.

If you're distributing it, then you really have:

[tex]25t^2(5t-1) + 5t (5t-1) + 1 (5t - 1)[/tex]
[tex](25t^2*5t - 25t^2*1) + (5t*5t - 5t*1) + (1*5t - 1*1)[/tex]
[tex]125t^3 - 25t^2 + 25t^2 - 5t + 5t - 1[/tex]
[tex]125t^3 -1[/tex]

FOIL only works as a memory aid for multiplying polynomials with two terms each:

[tex](a + b)(c + d) = ac + ad + bc + bd[/tex]

You can kind of do the same thing with what you have. You're multiplying the first term of the first polynomial (a) by each of the terms in the second polynomial, then the second term by each of the second polynomial terms.

[tex]5t*25t^2 + 5t*5t + 5t*1 - 1*25t^2 - 1*5t - 1*1[/tex]
 
  • #5
thomas576 said:
(5t-1)(25t^2+5t+1)
i just distributed 5t-1 thought the 2nd part and got?

this right way to do it?

125t^3-1 + 25t^2-1 + 5t

There are several ways to do this correctly, as others have shown. I just want to make it clear that FOIL could be used here if you applied it correctly, but I recommend you start thinking in terms of distribution the way BobG did it. As he said, to use FOIL you have to have two groups of two, but each one part of those twos can contain multiple terms.

[tex](5t-1)(25t^2 + 5t + 1)[/tex]

[tex](5t-1)[(25t^2 + 5t) + 1][/tex]

------F---------O--------I---------L
[tex]5t(25t^2 + 5t) + 5t*1 - 1*(25t^2 + 5t) -1[/tex]

[tex]125t^3 + 25t^2 + 5t - 25t^2 - 5t -1[/tex]

[tex]125t^3 -1[/tex]

There is no advantage to doing it this way, but it illustrates that FOIL is not "broken" when you have multiple terms, it just gets more complicated in its application.

FOIL is just an extension of the distributive law to cases where the single term in a simple distribution is replaced by a split term.

A(c + d) = Ac + Ad

If A = (a + b) this is

(a + b)(c + d) = (a + b)c + (a + b)d

(a + b)(c + d) = ac + bc + ad + bd

This result is in the order FIOL, but who can remember a silly thing like FIOL, so somebody decided to reverse the order of the inner two terms and make it FOIL. You will always be able to keep things straight if you develop an orderly distribution approach of multiplying the potentially complicated first factor (i.e., first thing in parentheses) times each term in the potentially complicated second factor, and then distribute a second time across the first factor for each term created. This is exactly what BobG did. It is an excellent model to follow. When you become more proficient, you might want to adopt Data's method because that keeps like-powered terms arranged together which makes simplifying easier.
 

1. What is the purpose of using foil in scientific experiments?

The use of foil in scientific experiments serves multiple purposes. It can be used to protect samples from contamination, to create a barrier between different substances, or to aid in the collection and measurement of data.

2. Is it necessary to use foil in all experiments?

No, foil is not necessary in all experiments. Its use depends on the specific objectives and requirements of the experiment. Some experiments may not require the use of foil at all.

3. What types of foil are commonly used in scientific experiments?

Aluminum foil is the most commonly used type of foil in scientific experiments. It is preferred due to its high thermal and electrical conductivity, as well as its flexibility and resistance to corrosion.

4. How can foil affect the results of an experiment?

The use of foil can affect the results of an experiment in various ways. It can introduce contaminants or alter the chemical reactions taking place. It can also cause interference in data collection if not used properly.

5. Are there any alternatives to using foil in experiments?

Yes, there are alternatives to using foil in experiments. Other materials, such as plastic films or glass coverslips, can be used for similar purposes. However, the choice of material ultimately depends on the specific needs of the experiment.

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