Question

Use FOIL to explain how to find the product of (a + b)(a − b). Then describe a shortcut that you could use to get this product without using FOIL

Answer 1

Answer:

The product of (a+b)(a-b)  is $a^2 - b^2$

Step-by-step explanation:

Use FOIL to explain how to find the product of (a + b)(a − b)

FOIL is

Multiply First terms : a*a = a^2

Multiply Outside terms : a* -b = -ab

Multiply Inner  terms : b * a= ab

Multiply last terms : b * -b = -b^2

now we combine all the terms

$a^2 -ab+ab - b^2$

combine like terms

$a^2 - b^2$

The product of (a+b)(a-b)  is $a^2 - b^2$

Shortcut is we apply an identity

$a^2 - b^2 = (a+b)(a-b)$

Answer 2

Product - a^2 +-b^2

a trick to remember foil is
First
Outside
Inside
Last