Is the 'FOIL' algorithm used to expand (a + 1)^3 ?

[deuce]

Is foil used to multiply out (a+1)^3?

If so how does it work for (a+1)(a+1)(a+1)?

I tried using foil for two terms and put that answer into the third term but I can't get the answer of a^3+3a^2+3a+1.

How is this done??
Thanks!!

 

[galactus]

Multiply 2 terms and then multiply the third, if that's easier.

\(\displaystyle (a+1)(a+1)=a^{2}+2a+1\)

Now, multiply by the other a+1:

\(\displaystyle (a^{2}+2a+1)(a+1)=a^{3}+3a^{2}+3a+1\)