How is FOIL used in factoring polynomials? Solution FOIL method is used for multiplying binomials. For example F irst Terms O utside Terms I nside Terms L ast Terms (3x - 4)(2x + 1) (3x)(2x) + (3x)(1) + (-4)(2x) + (-4)(1) 6x2 + 3x - 8x - 4 6x2 - 5x - 4 (combine like terms) Remember FOIL works only when you multiply two binomials.