PSAT Math : How to use FOIL with Exponents

Study concepts, example questions & explanations for PSAT Math

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Example Questions

Example Question #2 : Exponents And The Distributive Property

If , which of the following could be the value of ?

Possible Answers:

Correct answer:

Explanation:

Take the square root of both sides.

Add 3 to both sides of each equation.

Example Question #3 : Exponents And The Distributive Property

Simplify:

Possible Answers:

Correct answer:

Explanation:

= x3y3z3 + x2y + x0y0 + x2y

x3y3z3 + x2y + 1 + x2y

x3y3z3 + 2x2y + 1

Example Question #5 : Exponents And The Distributive Property

Possible Answers:

Correct answer:

Explanation:

Use the FOIL method to find the product.  Remember to add the exponents when multiplying.

First: 

Outside: 

Inside: 

Last: 

Add all the terms:

Example Question #3 : Exponents And The Distributive Property

Square the binomial.

Possible Answers:

Correct answer:

Explanation:

We will need to FOIL.

First:

Inside:

Outside:

Last:

Sum all of the terms and simplify.

Example Question #6 : Exponents And The Distributive Property

Which of the following is equivalent to 4c(3d)– 8c3d + 2(cd)4?

Possible Answers:

cd(54c * d– 4c+ c* d2)

2(54d– 4c+ 2c* d3)

None of the other answers

2cd(54d2 – 4c+ c* d3)

Correct answer:

2cd(54d2 – 4c+ c* d3)

Explanation:

First calculate each section to yield 4c(27d3) – 8c3d + 2c4d= 108cd– 8c3d + 2c4d4. Now let's factor out the greatest common factor of the three terms, 2cd, in order to get:  2cd(54d– 4c+ c3d3).

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